Dread \Dread\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Dreaded; p. pr. & vb. n. Dreading.]

[AS. dr?dan, in comp.; akin to OS. dr[=a]dan, OHG. tr[=a]tan, both only in comp.]

To fear in a great degree; to regard, or look forward to, with terrific apprehension.

When at length the moment dreaded through so many years came close, the dark cloud passed away from Johnson's mind. --Macaulay.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Dread \Dread\, v. i. To be in dread, or great fear.

Dread not, neither be afraid of them. --Deut. i. 29.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Dread \Dread\, n.

1. Great fear in view of impending evil; fearful apprehension of danger; anticipatory terror.

The secret dread of divine displeasure. --Tillotson.

The dread of something after death. --Shak.

2. Reverential or respectful fear; awe.

The fear of you, and the dread of you, shall be upon every beast of the earth. --Gen. ix. 2.

His scepter shows the force of temporal power, The attribute to awe and majesty, Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings. --Shak.

3. An object of terrified apprehension.

4. A person highly revered. [Obs.]

``Una, his dear dread.'' --Spenser.

5. Fury; dreadfulness. [Obs.]

--Spenser.

6. Doubt; as, out of dread. [Obs.]

--Chaucer.

Syn: Awe; fear; affright; terror; horror; dismay; apprehension. See Reverence.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Dread \Dread\, a.

1. Exciting great fear or apprehension; causing terror; frightful; dreadful.

A dread eternity! how surely mine. --Young.

2. Inspiring with reverential fear; awful' venerable; as, dread sovereign; dread majesty; dread tribunal.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)