lest
/lɛst/
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
For fear that; that not; in order to prevent something from happening; in case.
ConjunctionRegister: literary
Examples
He won't go outside, lest he be eaten by those ravenous eagles.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
that (without the negative particle; introduces the reason for an emotion.)
ConjunctionRegister: literary
Examples
There was danger/alarm lest the plan become known.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “lest” mean?
For fear that; that not; in order to prevent something from happening; in case.
Is “lest” formal or informal?
lest is generally literary.