Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Dread \Dread\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Dreaded}; p. pr. & vb. n.
   {Dreading}.] [AS. dr?dan, in comp.; akin to OS. dr[=a]dan,
   OHG. tr[=a]tan, both only in comp.]
   To fear in a great degree; to regard, or look forward to,
   with terrific apprehension.

         When at length the moment dreaded through so many years
         came close, the dark cloud passed away from Johnson's
         mind.                                    --Macaulay.