A state or feeling of terror, fear, or dread; sometimes the cause or agent of being thrown into fear. Indicates a psychological condition of being shattered or demoralized, often due to the overwhelming might or sudden appearance of a threat. In poetic or prophetic texts, refers to the sense of being crushed in spirit or deeply afraid in the face of divine judgment or enemy attack.

Etymology From the root חָתַת (ḥātat), meaning 'to be shattered, dismayed, broken, terrified.' The noun חֲתַת develops from the verbal idea of breaking or shattering and takes on a more abstract sense—no longer physical breaking, but inner psychological collapse or terror.

Reflexes  · not yet grouped by proto-form

LanguageWordMeaningSegmentationRoot
Kikongo kota to fear, to be afraid -kot-
Kimbundu kuta to be afraid, to fear -kut-/-kot-
Lingala kotá to fear, be afraid -tá
Umbundu okota to fear, to be afraid -kot-