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.