English edit

Etymology edit

From dread (noun) +‎ -en (verbal suffix).

Verb edit

dreaden (third-person singular simple present dreadens, present participle dreadening, simple past and past participle dreadened)

  1. (transitive) To bring about or fill with fear or dread; make dreaded or dreadful.
    • 1946, Snow Balls Of Garhwal, page 67:
      The constant fear of leopards
      Creeping into parhaos, dreadens me,
      Whims of weather, and a risky life.
    • 1972, School Science, volume 10, page 34:
      What is that hidden factor that dreadens human beings to such a great extent? How can we safeguard ourselves against it?
    • 1993, P. S. Joseph, The broken whispers, page 55:
      I cannot hear what you say,
      And I try to lift my hand.
      As a bloody vision dreadens
      The spirit, coiled snakes
      Dancing on the village idol
      Make me numb and pale; []
    • 2009, B.K. Tyagi, Scientist: A Unique Species and the Backbone of a Nations Economic and Intellectual Prosperity:
      As a result of this Yellow fever Board, very few people living today have any knowledge of this dreadening disease.
    • 2011, Hani B. Alhemsi, Eyes of God:
      She couldn't hear me. The dreadening vision of her death pushed me to my limit.

Anagrams edit