The term BE AFRAID OR SCARED OF can be summarized by two crossword solutions: FEAR (4 letters) and FEARS (5 letters). FEAR is an emotion that is experienced when a person perceives a threat or danger. It is a natural response to a perceived threat and can range from mild uneasiness to intense terror. Fears are an irrational or exaggerated sense of danger, which can lead to avoidance of certain situations or objects.