Dread (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Dreaded; p. pr. & vb. n. Dreading.] [AS. drdan, in comp.; akin to OS. dradan, OHG. tratan, both only in comp.]
To fear in a great degree; to regard, or look forward to, with terrific apprehension.
When at length the moment dreaded through so many years came close, the dark cloud passed away from Johnson's mind.
Macaulay.
© Webster 1913.
Dread, v. i.
To be in dread, or great fear.
Dread not, neither be afraid of them.
Deut. i. 29.
© Webster 1913.
Dread, n.
1.
Great fear in view of impending evil; fearful apprehension of danger; anticipatory terror.
The secret dread of divine displeasure.
Tillotson.
The dread of something after death.
Shak.
2.
Reverential or respectful fear; awe.
The fear of you, and the dread of you, shall be upon every beast of the earth.
Gen. ix. 2.
His scepter shows the force of temporal power,
The attribute to awe and majesty,
Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings.
Shak.
3.
An object of terrified apprehension.
4.
A person highly revered.
[Obs.] "Una, his dear
dread."
Spenser.
5.
Fury; dreadfulness.
[Obs.]
Spenser.
6.
Doubt; as, out of dread.
[Obs.]
Chaucer.
Syn. -- Awe; fear; affright; terror; horror; dismay; apprehension. See Reverence.
© Webster 1913.
Dread, a.
1.
Exciting great fear or apprehension; causing terror; frightful; dreadful.
A dread eternity! how surely mine.
Young.
2.
Inspiring with reverential fear; awful' venerable; as, dread sovereign; dread majesty; dread tribunal.
© Webster 1913.