The word "dread" refers to a strong feeling of fear or apprehension about something that might happen in the future. It can be an emotion that leads to a sense of worry or concern that something bad is going to occur. People often experience dread before facing challenges, making decisions, or anticipating unwelcome events.
The word "dread" comes from the Old English "drædan," which means "to fear" or "to be afraid." The term has roots in the Proto-Germanic "*draidwô," which is related to expressions of fear and anxiety in various Germanic languages.