v. To be in terror of.v. To anticipate with alarm, distaste, or reluctance: dreaded the long drive home. v. Archaic To hold in awe or reverence.verb-intransitive. To be very afraid.n. Profound fear; terror.n. Fearful or distasteful anticipation. See Synonyms at fear.n. An object of fear, awe, or reverence.n. Archaic Awe; reverence.adj. Causing terror or fear: a dread disease. adj. Inspiring awe: the dread presence of the headmaster.