fear
UK[fɪə(r)]US[fɪr]
n
An unpleasant emotion caused by the threat of danger, pain, or harm.
v
To be afraid of (someone or something) as likely to be dangerous, painful, or harmful.
Etymology
The word 'fear' originates from the Old English noun 'fǣr', meaning 'calamity, sudden danger', and the verb 'fǣran', meaning 'to terrify'. These derive from the Proto-Germanic 'fērō', which denoted 'danger', and 'fērjaną', 'to frighten'. This Germanic root is likely connected to the Proto-Indo-European 'per-', meaning 'to try, risk', a sense which evolved from the concept of facing danger into the specific emotional response it provokes. Thus, the modern abstract meaning of an emotional state stems from an ancient root associated with objective peril and risk-taking.
Analysis
The word 'fear' is a simplex word of Germanic origin. It functions as a complete, unanalyzable root in modern English.
Examples
Her fear of heights prevented her from climbing the ladder.
Many people fear public speaking more than anything else.
There is a growing fear that the economic situation will worsen.