fearing

1. 1
   verb

   Present participle and gerund of fear.

   Fearing reprisal, the witness refused to testify.

   Investors are fearing a sharp downturn in the market.

   Note

   The participle carries every construction the verb has. With a direct object it means dreading something (fearing reprisal). With for, it turns to worry on someone else's behalf (fearing for his safety). Used of a deity or a ruler, it means holding in awe, the meaning behind the reverent adjective. A causative use, fearing someone in the sense of frightening them, is obsolete and should not be revived in modern prose.

2. 2
   adjective

   Displaying or expressing fear.

   The fearing recruits flinched at every loud command.

   His fearing expression told everyone the news was bad.

   Similarfearful, frightened, scared, terrified

   Oppositefearless, brave, bold

3. 3
   adjective

   Showing deep respect, reverence, or deference toward someone or something.

   The fearing congregation lowered their eyes during the blessing.

   Fearing courtiers never spoke until the queen addressed them.

   Similarreverent, respectful, deferential, awed

   Oppositeirreverent, disrespectful

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