lest

conjunction

ˈlest How to pronounce lest (audio)
: for fear that
—often used after an expression denoting fear or apprehension
worried lest she should be late
hesitant to speak out lest he be fired

Word History

Etymology

Middle English les the, leste, from Old English thȳ lǣs the, from thȳ (instrumental of thæt that) + lǣs + the, relative particle

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lest was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near lest

less-than-truckload

lest

lestobiosis

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Lest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lest. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.

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Kids Definition

lest

conjunction
(ˌ)lest How to pronounce lest (audio)
: for fear that
tied the dog lest it should escape

More from Merriam-Webster on lest

Nglish: Translation of lest for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of lest for Arabic Speakers

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