afraid Definition

afraid
adj

1. Feeling fear; frightened of them or it.

Thesaurus: frightened, scared, fearful, alarmed, terrified, petrified, panic-stricken; Antonym: brave, bold.
Form: afraid of someone (often)
Form: afraid of something
2. Reluctant to do it out of fear or concern for the consequences.

Thesaurus: reluctant, suspicious, uneasy, apprehensive, nervous, intimidated, anxious, hesitant; Antonym: confident.
Form: afraid to do something (usually)
3. As a polite formula of regret: sorry.

Example: I'm afraid we're going to be late
Thesaurus: sorry, regretful, unhappy.

Etymology: 14c as afrayed, past participle of the obsolete verb affray to disturb or frighten.