ENGLISH
REFERENCE

fearing

adj.
US //ˈfɪɹɪŋ// UK //fˈiəɹɪŋ// fear·ing
  1. 1 feeling or showing fear (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    showing that you are scared or worried.

    exhibiting or feeling fear; often used in compound forms or specific literary contexts to describe a person's state.

    Example

    The fearing child hid behind his mother when the dog barked.

    Example

    The fearing citizens huddled in the basement, listening to the sirens echo through the empty streets.
  2. 2 showing deep respect (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Literary Religion

    showing a lot of respect or honor to someone powerful, like a god.

    showing profound respect, awe, or deference; most commonly encountered in the compound 'God-fearing'.

    Example

    He was known as a quiet, God-fearing man who helped his neighbors.

    Example

    The community was composed of God-fearing individuals who adhered strictly to the traditional moral codes of their ancestors.

    Teacher's tip

    In modern English, this sense is almost exclusively used in the phrase 'God-fearing' to describe a religious person.

Last updated June 20, 2026