Fearfulness

Fearfulness is the state of being readily or habitually afraid; the quality of experiencing or showing fear. It describes a disposition to be apprehensive, anxious, or scared, often in response to perceived threats or uncertainties. This emotional response can manifest physically through increased heart rate, trembling, or a heightened sense of alertness, as well as psychologically through avoidance, worry, and distress. fearfulness can range in intensity from mild trepidation to crippling terror, and it can be triggered by a wide variety of stimuli, both real and imagined.

Fearfulness meaning with examples

• The child's fearfulness was evident in the way he clung to his mother's leg during the thunderstorm, his face buried in her skirt as the thunder rumbled. He found the sounds terrifying.
• Her inherent fearfulness of flying led to several cancelled trips. The thought of turbulence and being confined in a plane caused her to experience intense anxiety and panic.
• The soldier’s training was designed to reduce fearfulness in combat situations by instilling discipline and confidence, ultimately helping soldiers to face threats head-on.
• Her fearfulness regarding her health manifested in constant worry about every ache and pain, leading her to frequent doctor visits out of an abundance of caution.
• The new employee's fearfulness of failure manifested in excessive over preparation, but helped them perform well on the project by taking every possible precaution.