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lest

conjunction
\ ˈlest How to pronounce lest (audio) \

Definition of lest

: for fear that —often used after an expression denoting fear or apprehension worried lest she should be latehesitant to speak out lest he be fired

First Known Use of lest

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for lest

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

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More Definitions for lest

lest

conjunction
How to pronounce lest (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of lest

formal + literary
: for fear that
—used when you are saying something in order to prevent something from happening

See the full definition for lest in the English Language Learners Dictionary

lest

conjunction
\ ˈlest How to pronounce lest (audio) \

Kids Definition of lest

: for fear that “I have to be sharp and clever, lest I go hungry.”— E. B. White, Charlotte's Web

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More from Merriam-Webster on lest

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with lest

Spanish Central: Translation of lest

Nglish: Translation of lest for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of lest for Arabic Speakers

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