# lest

/ˈɫɛst/ (US) · /lˈɛst/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/lest
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. to prevent something

conjunction · CEFR C2 · Formal · Literary

you use this to show that you are doing something so that a bad thing does not happen.

For teachers: used to introduce a clause expressing a negative purpose or a possibility that one wishes to avoid; often followed by the present subjunctive or 'should'.

- He spoke quietly lest he wake the sleeping baby.
- The diplomat chose his words with extreme precision, lest his comments be misinterpreted as a formal declaration of hostility.

Usage: In modern English, this is almost always followed by the base form of the verb (subjunctive) or 'should'.

Teaching tip: This is very rare in conversation; students should recognise it in literature but use 'so that... doesn't' or 'in case' in their own speech.

### 2. after words of fear

conjunction · CEFR C2 · Formal · Literary

used after words like 'fear' or 'afraid' to introduce the thing you are worried about.

For teachers: used after verbs or nouns expressing fear or anxiety to introduce the object of that fear.

- She was filled with dread lest the secret be discovered.
- There was a growing anxiety among the staff lest the merger lead to significant job losses across the regional offices.

Usage: Follows nouns or verbs of apprehension like 'fear', 'anxiety', or 'dread'.

Teaching tip: Explain to learners that this functions like 'that', but adds a specific tone of worry or danger.

## Examples

- He whispered lest she wake up.
- The team worked quietly lest they disturb the sleeping baby.
- She kept her voice low lest the sudden outburst reveal her true feelings to the room.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.