French Conversation · Level 19
89 words
French word
peur
Pronunciation
IPA/pøʁ/
Meaning
- feminine nounfear
Example
J'ai peur.
I am afraid.
More examples
Elle a peur du noir.
She is scared of the dark.
Core concept
A body and mind brace when a perceived threat may cause harm.
Common phrases
avoir peur
be scared
avoir peur de
be scared of
Similar words
crainte: Fearful concern about an expected danger or bad event.
terreur: An overwhelming terror so intense that reason is barely possible.
frayeur: A sudden, brief feeling of intense fright.
inquiétude: Worry and unease about what may happen in the future.
Definition in French
Réaction émotionnelle de crainte envers une situation ou un objet perçu comme menaçant, pouvant aller d'une inquiétude légère à une grande peur.
Word origin
French peur developed from Latin pavorem through Old French forms such as paor and peor, with regular sound changes leading to the modern form.
Usage tips
- Avoir peur de introduces the feared person, thing, or action, while avoir peur pour someone expresses concern for that person's safety.