fearful
adj.adj. feeling afraid or worried that something bad might happen. You use this to describe a person who is scared or a situation that makes people feel nervous.
adj. feeling or showing apprehension or anxiety. Often followed by a prepositional phrase or a 'that' clause to specify the source of the concern.
She is fearful of losing her job during the company merger.
The local residents are fearful that the new highway will increase noise pollution in their quiet neighborhood.
The market remains fearful of a sudden interest rate hike, leading many investors to move their capital into safer, more stable assets until the central bank clarifies its position.
From Middle English ferful, fervol, equivalent to fear + -ful.
Commonly takes the preposition 'of' or a 'that' clause; often describes a sustained state of worry rather than a sudden shock.
he is fearful about spidershe is fearful of spidersWhile 'about' is common with 'worried', 'fearful' typically pairs with the preposition 'of'.