Lest Definition

lĕst
conjuntion
For fear that; in case; so that . . . not.
Speak low lest you be overheard.
Webster's New World
So that someone or something not; in case someone or something might.
American Heritage
That.
Afraid lest he should fail us.
Webster's New World
That (without the negative particle); - after certain expressions denoting fear or apprehension.
Wiktionary
Synonyms:
  • for fear that
  • in order to avoid
  • to prevent
  • so-that

Origin of Lest

  • c.1200, contracted from Middle English phrase les te "less that," from Old English phrase þy læs þe "whereby less that," from þy, instrumental case of demonstrative article þæt "that" + læs (see less) + þe "the." The þy was dropped and the remaining two words contracted into leste. (http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=lest)

    From Wiktionary

  • Middle English from Old English (thȳ) lǣs the (whereby) less that, so that not lǣs less less the relative conjunction to- in Indo-European roots

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

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