Merriam-Webster's Collegiate® Dictionary, 11th Edition
FEAR
I. verb
Etymology: Middle English feren, from Old English fǣran, from fǣr Date: before 12th century transitive verb frighten , to feel fear in (oneself), to have a reverential awe of , to be afraid of ; expect with alarm , intransitive verb to be afraid or apprehensive , fearer noun
II. noun
Etymology: Middle English fer, from Old English fǣr sudden danger; akin to Old High German fāra ambush and perhaps to Latin periculum attempt, peril, Greek peiran to attempt
Date: 12th century
1. an unpleasant often strong emotion caused by anticipation or awareness of danger, b. an instance of this emotion, a state marked by this emotion, anxious concern ; solicitude , profound reverence and awe especially toward God, reason for alarm ; danger , Synonyms: see: fear