dread
/ˈdred/
verb
to fear greatly
to regard with awe
to feel extreme reluctance to meet or face
can't swim and dreads the water
noun
great fear especially in the face of impending evil
extreme uneasiness in the face of a disagreeable prospect
awe
were filled with dread by reports of another terrorist attack
dread of a social blunder
fear dread fright alarm panic terror trepidation mean painful agitation in the presence or anticipation of danger. fear is the most general term and implies anxiety and usually loss of courage. dread usually adds the idea of intense reluctance to face or meet a person or situation and suggests aversion as well as anxiety.
adjective
causing great fear or anxiety
inspiring awe
dread diseases