v. t. & i. [ OE. abraiden, to awake, draw (a sword), AS. ābredgan to shake, draw; pref. ā- (cf. Goth. us-, Ger. er-, orig. meaning out) + bregdan to shake, throw. See Braid. ] To awake; to arouse; to stir or start up; also, to shout out. [ Obs. ] Chaucer. [ 1913 Webster ]
p. a. [ OE. afrayed, affraide, p. p. of afraien to affray. See Affray, and cf. Afeard. ] Impressed with fear or apprehension; in fear; apprehensive. [ Afraid comes after the noun it limits. ] “Back they recoiled, afraid.” Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]
☞ This word expresses a less degree of fear than terrified or frightened. It is followed by of before the object of fear, or by the infinitive, or by a dependent clause; as, to be afraid of death. “I am afraid to die.” “I am afraid he will chastise me.” “Be not afraid that I your hand should take.” Shak. I am afraid is sometimes used colloquially to soften a statement; as, I am afraid I can not help you in this matter. [ 1913 Webster ]
p. a. [ OE. afrayed, affraide, p. p. of afraien to affray. See Affray, and cf. Afeard. ] Impressed with fear or apprehension; in fear; apprehensive. [ Afraid comes after the noun it limits. ] “Back they recoiled, afraid.” Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]
☞ This word expresses a less degree of fear than terrified or frightened. It is followed by of before the object of fear, or by the infinitive, or by a dependent clause; as, to be afraid of death. “I am afraid to die.” “I am afraid he will chastise me.” “Be not afraid that I your hand should take.” Shak. I am afraid is sometimes used colloquially to soften a statement; as, I am afraid I can not help you in this matter. [ 1913 Webster ]