Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

well-founded fear

phrase

/wɛl ˈfaʊndɪd fɪər/

Definition

A well-founded fear refers to a legitimate concern or apprehension based on reasonable evidence or facts. It signifies that the fear is grounded in reality and is not simply imagined or based on unfounded assumptions.

Examples

He had a well-founded fear of losing his job due to the company’s financial struggles.
The residents expressed their well-founded fear of rising crime rates in the neighborhood.

Meaning

It describes a situation where a person’s fear is justified by facts or experience, indicating that the threat or risk they perceive is credible and real.