Main Entry: ¹dread·ful

Pronunciation: \ˈdred-fəl\

Function: adjective

Date: 13th century

1 a : inspiring dread : causing great and oppressive fear b : inspiring awe or reverence
2 : extremely bad, distasteful, unpleasant, or shocking
3 : extreme <dreadful disorder>

— dread·ful·ly \-f(ə-)lē\ adverb

— dread·ful·ness \-fəl-nəs\ noun