verb
- to fear excessively or more than is warranted; to be overly afraid of something
Usage: transitive or intransitive; relatively uncommon in modern usage
Examples
- She tends to overfear public speaking, even though she is a skilled presenter.
- Don't overfear the exam; you have studied thoroughly.
- Many people overfear flying despite its excellent safety record.
- He overfeared the consequences and avoided taking any risks.
- Parents sometimes overfear letting their children play outdoors.