lest

American  

[lest] / lɛst /

conjunction

1. for fear that; so that (one) should not (used negatively to introduce a clause expressive of an action or occurrence requiring caution).

   He kept his notes by his side lest faulty memory lead him astray.

2. that (used after words expressing fear, danger, etc.).

   There was danger lest the plan become known.

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idioms

1. lest we forget. lest we forget.

lest British  

/ lɛst /

conjunction

1. so as to prevent any possibility that

   he fled the country lest he be captured and imprisoned

2. (after verbs or phrases expressing fear, worry, anxiety, etc) for fear that; in case

   he was alarmed lest she should find out

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Etymology

Origin of lest

First recorded before 1000; Middle English leste, contraction of the lesse the, thi les the; late Old English the lǣste, earlier thȳ lǣs the, literally, “whereby less that” ( thȳ instrumental case of the demonstrative and relative pronoun, lǣs less, the conjunction)

Example Sentences

I sat up, half raised, afraid to move fast lest she panic and run back into the wolves.

From Literature

It was very deliberate, a youngster meeting another youngster, and I was afraid to breathe lest the moment be broken.

From Literature

I didn't dare move lest I wander off and go deeper into the swirling mist.

From Literature

“There isn’t much left,” she grumbled as she locked the door behind me lest anyone else sneak in and make her night longer.

From Literature

Not one to throw carrots, lest you want carrots thrown at you, if you get my meaning.”

From Literature