to be afraid of something that could, or is going to, happen
I dread the idea that I will not get into college.
She dreaded the thought of speaking in public, as it always made her nervous.
The children dreaded the dentist's appointment and tried to find excuses to avoid it.
As the deadline approached, he began to dread the amount of work left to complete.
The prospect of an impending storm made the residents dread the potential damage to their homes.
