əˈfreɪd predic.adj. 1 (often foll. by
of, or
that or
lest + clause) alarmed, frightened. 2 (foll. by to + infin.)
unwilling or
reluctant for fear of
the consequences (was afraid to go in). øbe afraid (foll. by that + clause) colloq.
admit or
declare with (real or politely simulated)
regret (I'm afraid there's none left). [ME,
past part. of obs.
affray (v.) f. AF afrayer f. OF esfreer]