The term NORTH CAROLINA CAPE is composed of two crossword solutions: FEAR (4 letters) and HATTERAS (8 letters). FEAR is a four-letter word meaning an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat. Hatteras is an eight-letter word referring to Cape Hatteras, a thin, broken strip of land in North Carolina that juts out into the Atlantic Ocean. It is known for its large waves, strong currents, and shifting sandbars, making it a popular destination for surfers and fishermen.