lest
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.
that (used after words expressing fear, danger, etc.): There was danger lest the plan become known.
Idioms about lest
lest we forget. See entry at lest we forget.
Origin of lest
1Words that may be confused with lest
Words Nearby lest
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use lest in a sentence
And lest you be deceived, primary elections are no partisan monopoly.
The cops suspended the high-speed pursuit lest some innocent be killed.
Did the Amber Lynn Coplin Murder Photos Sicken the Creeps of 4Chan? | Michael Daly | November 6, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTHe said it would be wise to stop taking it, lest it turn on my “genetic light switch.”
Birth Control Made My Hair Fall Out, and I’m Not the Only One | Molly Oswaks | October 14, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTlest anyone be confused, the site clearly states: “This is not a dating app.”
Swipe Right For Sex: Mixxxer Is Tinder for the Porn Star Set | Aurora Snow | October 4, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTlest anyone be confused, the site clearly states: ‘This is not a dating app.’
Swipe Right For Sex: Mixxxer Is Tinder for the Porn Star Set | Aurora Snow | October 4, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
There is always in the background of my mind dread lest help should reach the enemy before we have done with Sedd-el-Bahr.
Gallipoli Diary, Volume I | Ian HamiltonTerror and fascination caught him; he turned away lest she should reach his secret and communicate her own.
The Wave | Algernon BlackwoodHe saw them standing at street corners, watchfully staring lest they should miss the form of joy.
Bella Donna | Robert HichensThis new-found joy I long pursued in secret, afraid lest it should be discovered and despised as a folly.
Fifty Years of Railway Life in England, Scotland and Ireland | Joseph TatlowUnderneath these were affectionate hearts quaking with fear lest the home-coming be but a sad one after all.
Ramona | Helen Hunt Jackson
British Dictionary definitions for lest
/ (lɛst) /
so as to prevent any possibility that: he fled the country lest he be captured and imprisoned
(after verbs or phrases expressing fear, worry, anxiety, etc) for fear that; in case: he was alarmed lest she should find out
Origin of lest
1Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Browse