Deeply fearful or anxious; one experiencing intense emotional agitation due to fear, awe, or anticipation. The term often conveys trembling or shaking as a physical response to such emotional states. In various contexts, it may denote someone reverent toward, or in dread of, a powerful figure or event. The semantic range covers physical trembling, psychological fearfulness, and reverential awe toward the divine or authority.

Etymology From the root חרד (ḥ-r-d), which fundamentally means 'to tremble' or 'to quake.' The adjective חָרֵד (chârêd) is formed from this root and signifies 'one who trembles' (whether from fright or from awe).

Reflexes  · not yet grouped by proto-form

LanguageWordMeaningSegmentationRoot
Kikongo kelela to tremble, to shiver (with fear or cold) lela
Kimbundu kelela to tremble, shiver -kel-
Lingala kelela to tremble, to shiver -kel-