dreaded

Everyday

1. Feared very much; something people do not want to happen or face. tree →
2. (informal, joke) Used about something annoying in a mock-scary way: «the dreaded homework», «the dreaded nits». tree →

In the lessons

In stories «the dreaded beast» or «the dreaded day» builds fear. In everyday talk it is used playfully for things people dislike: «the dreaded Monday morning», «the dreaded vegetables». Phrases: «the dreaded», «much-dreaded».

Examples

• The dreaded maths test was finally here. tree →
• Sailors feared the dreaded storm season. tree →
• Mum found the dreaded nits in my hair. tree →
• (joke) Time for the dreaded broccoli! tree →
• He finally faced the dreaded dentist. tree →
• The village feared the dreaded wolf. tree →
• It is not only during sleep that the Vampire is to be dreaded. tree →

Note

Past form and adjective of «dread». Pronounced «DRED-id». Usually comes with «the» before a noun.

In Jewish tradition

Feared or held in awe, as when the old gods are said to be ones the fathers did not fear. In the Psalms God Himself is called "a God dreaded" in the council of the holy ones, meaning deserving deep awe.

Interpretation. The verse says the new idols were unknown to earlier generations, which is read as a call to stay loyal to the old faith. The Psalm is read as saying that God alone is truly to be feared, even by the angels.

Examples

• They sacrificed unto demons, no-gods, gods that they knew not, new gods that came up of late, which your fathers dreaded not. (Torah DEU.32.17, JPS 1917) tree →
• Were it not that I dreaded the enemy's provocation, lest their adversaries should misdeem, lest they should say: Our hand is exalted, and not the LORD hath wrought all this.' (Torah DEU.32.27, JPS 1917) tree →
• A God dreaded in the great council of the holy ones, and feared of all them that are about Him? (Writings PSA.89.8, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Past form and adjective of «dread». Pronounced «DRED-id». Usually comes with «the» before a noun.