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Lest

/lɛst/

For fear that; that not; in order to prevent something from happening; in case.

📖 Definitions of "Lest"

conjunction
  1. 1

    For fear that; that not; in order to prevent something from happening; in case.

    "He won’t go outside, lest he be eaten by those ravenous eagles."

  2. 2

    (after certain expressions denoting fear or apprehension) that (without the negative particle; introduces the reason for an emotion.)

    "I am afraid lest I revealed too much."

💡 Words with a Similar Meaning to "Lest"

Found via reverse dictionary — words that share a conceptual meaning.

WordDefinition
avoidverb(transitive) To keep away from; to keep clear of; to stay away from.
beforenounAt an earlier time.
boglesnounA town in Grenada.
elsenoun(postpositive, used only with indefinite or interrogative pronouns) Other; in addition to previously mentioned items.
leastnounIn the smallest or lowest degree; in a degree below all others.
unlessthe final novel by Canadian writer Carol Shields, first published by Fourth Estate, an imprint of HarperCollins in 2002.
guarding against
in caseif there happens to be need
for fear that
preventingverb(transitive) To stop (an outcome); to keep from (doing something).
avoidingnounAvoidance.
warding offnoun(lacrosse) The technical foul called when an offensive player in possession of the ball uses his hands and/or forearm to push a defender away.
otherwise(conjunctive) In different circumstances; or else.
or elsein place of, or as an alternative to
against
barringnounThe exclusion of someone; blackballing.
cannotCan not (be unable to).
accursed(prenominal) Hateful; detestable, loathsome.
pharisaical(chiefly Christianity) Emphasizing the observance of ritual or practice over the meaning; self-righteous, hypocritical.
sheeplikeResembling a sheep: docile or uncomplaining, or willing to follow a leader blindly.

Words Strongly Associated with "Lest"

These words statistically appear in the same text as "lest" (Google Books Ngrams).

🎨 Adjectives for "Lest"

Popular adjectives used to describe this word in books.

🏷️ Nouns for "Lest"

Common nouns this word is used to describe.

📝 Common Phrases with "Lest"

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