lest

Meanings

1. 1
   conj

   In order to prevent something bad from happening; for fear that.

   Write down the address now, lest you forget it.

2. 2
   conj

   That (used after words expressing fear or worry).

   She was afraid lest the plan become known.

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.

Topics