▪ worried that something undesirable will occur or be done: "he was afraid that the farmer would send the dog after them"
▪ unwilling or reluctant to do something for fear of the consequences: "I'm often afraid to go out on the streets"Similarreluctantunwillingdisinclinedloathslowhesitant aboutchary ofshy ofaverse toOppositekeenconfident
▪ anxious about the well-being or safety of:"William was suddenly afraid for her"
Word OriginMiddle English: past participle of the obsolete verb affray, from Anglo-Norman French afrayer (see affray).