Afraid for – Definition & Meaning

“Afraid for” is a common phrase used to describe a feeling of concern or fear for someone or something. It is a term that is often used in situations where one is worried about the safety or well-being of someone or something they care about. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of the term “afraid for” and its origins.

Definitions

The term “afraid for” is used to express concern or fear for someone or something. It is often used in situations where one is worried about the safety or well-being of someone or something they care about. For example, a mother may say that she is afraid for her child when he is out late at night.

Origin

The origin of the phrase “afraid for” is not clear, but it is likely that it has been in use for many years. It is a common expression in English and is used in many different contexts.

Meaning in different dictionaries

The meaning of “afraid for” is consistent across different dictionaries. It is defined as a feeling of concern or fear for someone or something. The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “feeling fear or anxiety on behalf of (someone or something)”.

Associations

The term “afraid for” is often associated with feelings of concern, worry, and fear. It is used in situations where one is worried about the safety or well-being of someone or something they care about. It is a common expression in English and is used in many different contexts.

Synonyms

There are several synonyms for “afraid for” including concerned, worried, anxious, and fearful. These words are often used interchangeably with “afraid for” and have similar meanings.

Antonyms

The antonyms of “afraid for” include confident, secure, and unafraid. These words are used to describe situations where one is not worried or concerned about the safety or well-being of someone or something.

The same root words

The root words of “afraid for” are afraid and for. “Afraid” is derived from the Old English word “afrǣd” which means “filled with fear or dread”. “For” is derived from the Old English word “foran” which means “before, in front of”.

Example Sentences

1. I am afraid for my daughter’s safety when she walks home alone at night.
2. The villagers were afraid for their homes when the floodwaters began to rise.
3. He was afraid for his job when he heard the company was downsizing.
4. The mother was afraid for her son’s health when he fell ill.
5. The hiker was afraid for his life when he got lost in the wilderness.