Merriam-Webster's Collegiate® Dictionary, 11th Edition
DREAD
I. verb
Etymology: Middle English dreden, from Old English drǣdan Date: before 12th century transitive verb
1. to fear greatly, to regard with awe, to feel extreme reluctance to meet or face, intransitive verb to be apprehensive or fearful,
II. noun
Date: 13th century
1. great fear especially in the face of impending evil, extreme uneasiness in the face of a disagreeable prospect , awe , one causing fear or awe,
3. dreadlock 1, dreadlock 2, see: fear
III. adjective
Date: 15th century
causing great fear or anxiety, inspiring awe