afeard

adjective

ə-ˈfird How to pronounce afeard (audio)
variants or afeared
chiefly dialectal
: afraid

Word History

Etymology

Middle English afered, going back to Old English āfǣred, past participle of āfǣran "to frighten," from ā-, perfective prefix + fǣran "to frighten" — more at abide, fear entry 2

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of afeard was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near afeard

afear

afeard

a feast for the eyes

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Afeard.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/afeard. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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