feeling intense fear or worry about something that might happen in the future; anticipating something bad with anxiety.
From 'dread' (possibly from Old Norse 'dreyða' meaning to turn or avoid) + '-ing'. The word has been used since Old English times to describe powerful fear or awe.
Psychologically, 'dreading' something is actually worse than experiencing the bad thing itself—research shows people's anxiety during the waiting period is often more painful than whatever actually happens, which is why the dentist's waiting room feels worse than the appointment.
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