Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Afraid \A*fraid"\, p. a. [OE. afrayed, affraide, p. p. of
   afraien to affray. See {Affray}, and cf. {Afeard}.]
   Impressed with fear or apprehension; in fear; apprehensive.
   [Afraid comes after the noun it limits.] ``Back they
   recoiled, afraid.'' --Milton.

   Note: This word expresses a less degree of fear than
         terrified or frightened. It is followed by of before
         the object of fear, or by the infinitive, or by a
         dependent clause; as, to be afraid of death. ``I am
         afraid to die.'' ``I am afraid he will chastise me.''
         ``Be not afraid that I your hand should take.'' --Shak.
         I am afraid is sometimes used colloquially to soften a
         statement; as, I am afraid I can not help you in this
         matter.

   Syn: Fearful; timid; timorous; alarmed; anxious.

Source : WordNet®

afraid
     adj 1: filled with fear or apprehension; "afraid even to turn his
            head"; "suddenly looked afraid"; "afraid for his
            life"; "afraid of snakes"; "afraid to ask questions"
            [syn: {afraid(p)}] [ant: {unafraid(p)}]
     2: filled with regret or concern; used often to soften an
        unpleasant statement; "I'm afraid I won't be able to
        come"; "he was afraid he would have to let her go"; "I'm
        afraid you're wrong"
     3: feeling worry or concern or insecurity; "She was afraid that
        I might be embarrassed"; "terribly afraid of offending
        someone"; "I am afraid we have witnessed only the first
        phase of the conflict"
     4: having feelings of aversion or unwillingness; "afraid of
        hard work"; "affaid to show emotion"