temer
/teˈmeɾ/
To dread is temer in Spanish. Wiktionary also lists despavorir.
Meaning: to anticipate with fear (that …) (verb)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| temer | /teˈmeɾ/ | |
| despavorir | /despaboˈɾiɾ/ | historic |
Temer is used in contexts where one anticipates a negative consequence or a specific unpleasant event with apprehension.
Which one should you use?
While temer can mean to fear a person or thing, it is the standard verb used to express the sense of 'dreading' a future event or outcome. If you wish to express the feeling of dread as a noun, temor is a more formal way to express the feeling of dread compared to the more common miedo.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When temer is used to mean 'to dread that [something happens]', it is typically followed by the conjunction que and a verb in the subjunctive mood. You may also use Sentir angustia to express dread, which literally means 'to feel anguish'.
How do you pronounce it?
/teˈmeɾ/
Did you know?
- The word temer is a direct descendant of the Latin word timēre. This makes it a distant relative of the English word 'timid'.
- In some contexts, me temo que is used as a polite way to introduce bad news, similar to the English 'I am afraid that'. It softens the blow of the dread being expressed.
- The phrase sentir angustia relates to the word angustia, which can mean both 'dread' and 'choking'. It suggests a feeling of dread that is physically constricting the throat or chest.
Examples in context
- María tenía un miedo extremo de hablar en público.María had extreme dread of speaking in public.
- La idea de volar siempre me ha hecho sentir temor.The idea of flying has always made me feel dread.
- Le tengo un pánico tremendo a las cucarachas.I have a tremendous dread of cockroaches.
- Siento una profunda angustia cada vez que tengo que enfrentar un examen.I feel deep dread every time I have to face an exam.
- Me eché a temblar solo de pensar en tener que enfrentar mi fobia.I started trembling just thinking about having to face my phobia.
- Le tengo un pavor enorme al dentista.I have a tremendous dread of the dentist.
- Siento un terror horrible cuando veo arañas.I feel a horrible dread when I see spiders.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dread” translations and entries temer, despavorir, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries temer, CC BY-SA 4.0.
