Dreading

Dreading is the present participle of the verb 'dread', which means to anticipate with great apprehension or fear. It involves a strong emotional response characterized by anxiety or apprehension about an impending event or situation, often based on previous experiences or a perceived threat. The feeling of dreading typically leads to avoidance behaviors as individuals seek to escape that which they fear or find troubling.

Dreading meaning with examples

• As the day of the final exam approached, Jenna found herself dreading the moment when she would have to confront her fears of failure. Despite her preparation, the thought of facing the exam hall filled her with anxiety, prompting her to reconsider her study habits and seek support from peers. This emotional turmoil consumed her thoughts, making it difficult to focus on her studies.
• Michael was dreading his annual performance review at work, recalling the harsh feedback he received the previous year. He spent nights overthinking every detail of his work, questioning whether he had met the expectations of his boss. The closer the review date loomed, the more anxious he became, imagining every possible negative outcome that could arise during the meeting.
• When she learned that she would have to give a speech at her sister's wedding, Sarah was dreading the spotlight. Public speaking had never been her strong suit, and she imagined every possible scenario where she might forget her words or embarrass herself in front of family and friends. This anticipation of unfavorable outcomes overshadowed what should have been a joyous occasion for her.
• The children were dreading the inevitable return to school after summer break, feeling the weight of homework and strict schedules looming over them. They spent their last days of freedom in a state of simultaneous excitement and dread, cherishing fleeting moments of summer while grappling with the anxiety of classroom expectations. This mix of emotions made the transition challenging for all of them.