Definition of dread

• v. t. - To fear in a great degree; to regard, or look forward to, with terrific apprehension.
• v. i. - To be in dread, or great fear.
• n. - Great fear in view of impending evil; fearful apprehension of danger; anticipatory terror.
• n. - Reverential or respectful fear; awe.
• n. - An object of terrified apprehension.
• n. - A person highly revered.
• n. - Fury; dreadfulness.
• n. - Doubt; as, out of dread.
• a. - Exciting great fear or apprehension; causing terror; frightful; dreadful.
• a. - Inspiring with reverential fear; awful' venerable; as, dread sovereign; dread majesty; dread tribunal.