to feel extremely worried or frightened about something that is going to happen or that might happen

He's dreading the exam - he's sure he's going to fail. 他很担心考试——他觉得自己肯定过不了。

[ + -ing verb ] I'm dreading having to meet his parents. 因为不得不见他的父母，我很害怕。

used to say that you do not want to think about something because it is too worrying

I dread to think what would happen if he was left to cope on his own. 我不敢想象，如果让他自己去应付会怎么样。

I dread to think how much the wedding cost.

She dreaded to think what her father would say when he got home.

I dread to think what we'd have done without her help.

We dread to think what effect this will have on children's education.

a strong feeling of fear or worry

The prospect of working full-time fills me with dread. 可能要全职工作，这让我很担忧。

I live in dread of bumping into her in the street. 我每天都害怕在街上碰见她。

A feeling of dread crept over me as I approached the door.