An unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat. From Middle English fere, feere, from Old English fǣr (calamity, sudden danger), from Proto-Germanic *fērō (danger, peril), from Proto-Indo-European *per- (to try, to risk). The word 'fear' has been used in the English language since the Old English period, originating from the Old English 'fǣr', meaning 'danger, peril, or sudden calamity'. Fear is a universal human emotion experienced across cultures and throughout history, often serving as a natural response to perceived threats or dangers.