Dread (dr&ebreve_;d), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Dreaded; p. pr. & vb. n. Dreading.] [AS. dr&aemacr_;dan, in comp.; akin to OS. drādan, OHG. trātan, both only in comp.] To fear in a great degree; to regard, or look forward to, with terrific apprehension.
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When at length the moment dreaded through so many years came close, the dark cloud passed away from Johnson's mind. Macaulay.
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Dread, n. 1. Great fear in view of impending evil; fearful apprehension of danger; anticipatory terror.
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The secret dread of divine displeasure. Tillotson.
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The dread of something after death. Shak.
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2. Reverential or respectful fear; awe.
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The fear of you, and the dread of you, shall be upon every beast of the earth. Gen. ix. 2.
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His scepter shows the force of temporal power,
The attribute to awe and majesty,
Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings. Shak.
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3. An object of terrified apprehension.
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4. A person highly revered. [Obs.] “Una, his dear dread.” Spenser.
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5. Fury; dreadfulness. [Obs.] Spenser.
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6. Doubt; as, out of dread. [Obs.] Chaucer.

Syn. -- Awe; fear; affright; terror; horror; dismay; apprehension. See Reverence.
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