fearfulnessn.
/ˈfɪəf(ᵿ)lnəs/, U.S. /ˈfɪrf(ə)lnəs/ 1. The quality of inspiring fear; dreadfulness.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > fear > quality of inspiring fear > [noun]
fearfulness1535
doubtfulness1576
feara1616
formidableness1660
redoubtableness1672
1535 Bible (Coverdale) 2 Macc. xv. 23 Sende now also thy good angell before vs (o Lorde) in the fearfulnesse..of thy mightie arme.
1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie ii. xv. 50 A great Earthquake..with horrible fearfulnesse and damage.
1831 B. E. Pote Assassins of Paradise 18 Its very fearfulness the sound endeared.
1846 R. C. Trench Notes Miracles xxix. 403 He beheld death in all its fearfulness.
2. The quality or state of being affected with fear; timidity, timorousness. Const. of.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > fear > [noun] > state of
frightiheada1325
fearedness1340
effraying1489
fearfulnessa1513
frayedness1530
frightment1607
frightfulness1621
dauntedness1660
afraidness1669
funkiness1859
a1513 R. Fabyan New Cronycles Eng. & Fraunce (1516) I. clxxxi. f. cvi The lordes and commons..went vnto the kynge..and blamed as they durste his ferefulnesse.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Ezek. xxx. 13 A fearfulnesse will I sende in to the Egipcians londe.
1562 W. Turner Bk. Natures Bathes Eng. f. 8, in 2nd Pt. Herball These bathes..are good for fearfulnes of the hart.
1597 R. Hooker Of Lawes Eccl. Politie v. xlvii. 94 Is it credible that..our professed fearefulnes to aske any thing..should be noted for a popish error.
1651 W. Davenant Gondibert iii. i. 232 With a Lover's fearfulness he spake.
1666 R. South Serm. preached at Lambeth-Chappel 29 A Third thing..is fearfulness of..Bold Popular Offenders.
1726 J. Swift Gulliver I. ii. iii. 63 I was frequently rallied..upon Account of my Fearfulness.
1841–8 F. Myers Catholic Thoughts II. iv. §46. 411 We cannot but be protected from all fearfulness of spiritual despotism.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1895; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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n.a1513