Fear, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Feared p. pr. & vb. n. Fearing.]
 1. To feel a painful apprehension of; to be afraid of; to consider or expect with emotion of alarm or solicitude.
    I will fear no evil, for thou art with me.   --Ps. xxiii. 4.
 Note: With subordinate clause.
    I greatly fear my money is not safe.   --Shak.
    I almost fear to quit your hand.   --D. Jerrold.
 2. To have a reverential awe of; to be solicitous to avoid the displeasure of.
    Leave them to God above; him serve and fear.   --Milton.
 3. To be anxious or solicitous for;  now replaced by fear for. [R.]
    The sins of the father are to be laid upon the children, therefore . . . I fear you.   --Shak.
 4. To suspect; to doubt. [Obs.]
    Ay what else, fear you not her courage?   --Shak.
 5. To affright; to terrify; to drive away or prevent approach of by fear. [Obs.]
    Fear their people from doing evil.   --Robynson (More's Utopia).
    Tush, tush! fear boys with bugs.   --Shak.
 Syn: -- To apprehend; dread; reverence; venerate.