for fear of

Idioms  

1. Also, for fear that. In order to avoid or prevent, in case of. For example, They closed all the windows for fear of rain. The variant is always used before a clause, as in She wouldn't let her children climb trees for fear that they would fall. The first term dates from the late 1400s, the second from about 1600.

---

Example Sentences

Protesters have blockaded entry routes into La Paz, shops have shuttered for fear of violence, and food, medicine and fuel supplies are running low.

From Barron's • May 27, 2026

No doubt, Blanche was careful to avoid the language of pardons for fear of political backlash.

From Slate • May 26, 2026

Marta - whose name has been changed for fear of reprisals - says the "lack of information" and not knowing what is going to happen, is also affecting them "emotionally and psychologically".

From BBC • May 22, 2026

Bad Bunny demurred on touring the continental U.S. for fear of ICE raids at his shows, opting for a lengthy residence in his home territory of Puerto Rico instead.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 19, 2026

To ignore the situation for fear of being disappointed?

From "The Bletchley Riddle" by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin