lest
For fear that; that not; in order to prevent something from happening; in case.
Conjunction
- For fear that; that not; in order to prevent something from happening; in case.
- He won't go outside, lest he be eaten by those ravenous eagles.
- I brought my notes lest faulty memory lead me astray.
- I thought to haue told thee of it, but I fear'd / Leaſt I might anger thee. - 1610–1611 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tempest”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio),...
Synonyms: before
- that (without the negative particle; introduces the reason for an emotion.)
- There was danger/alarm lest the plan become known.
- I am afraid lest I revealed too much.
- That you and I should be in the same house together and not able to speak to each other is in itself a misery, but this is terribly enhanced by the dread lest this state of things should be made to continue. - 1869 May,...
Origin
c. 1200, contracted from Middle English les te (“less that”), from Old English þȳ lǣs þe (“whereby less that”), from þȳ (instrumental case of demonstrative article þæt (“that”)) + lǣs (“less”) + þe (“that,” relative particle). The þȳ was dropped and the remaining two words contracted into leste.