lest
/lɛst/ conjunction B2- For fear that; that not; in order to prevent something from happening; in case. · He won't go outside, lest he be eaten by those ravenous eagles.· I brought my notes lest faulty memory lead me astray.
- that (without the negative particle; introduces the reason for an emotion.) · There was danger/alarm lest the plan become known.· I am afraid lest I revealed too much.
From the library
He called to her and earnestly begged her to come lower down, lest she fall by some mishap; and he added that the meadows lay where he was standing, and that the herbage was most tender.
“Good-bye!” they all answered, and away the Queen ran, while Dorothy held Toto tightly lest he should run after her and frighten her.
He appealed to the Ass to fly with him, lest they should both be captured, but the animal lazily replied, “Why should I, pray?
The Innkeeper, frightened lest he should be attacked, left his new coat in the Thief’s hand and ran as fast as he could into the inn for safety.
Learn lest in real texts
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