lest

conjunction \ˈlest\

: for fear that

—used when you are saying something in order to prevent something from happening

Full Definition of LEST

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

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Origin of LEST

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

First Known Use: before 12th century

Rhymes with LEST

best, breast, Brest, chest, crest, gest, geste, guest, hest, jessed, jest, nest, pest, quest, rest, test, tressed, vest, west, wrest, zest

LEST Defined for Kids

lest

conjunction \ˈlest\

Definition of LEST for Kids

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

Learn More About LEST

Spanish Central: Spanish translation of "lest"

Nglish: Translation of "lest" for Spanish speakers

Britannica English: Translation of "lest" for Arabic speakers

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