The meaning of LEST is for fear that —often used after an expression denoting fear or apprehension. How to use lest in a sentence.

1. For fear that: tiptoed lest the guard should hear her; anxious lest he become ill. 2. So that someone or something not; in case someone or something might: "Lest anyone forget, adolescence is purgatory" …

LEST definition: for fear that; so that (one) should not (used negatively to introduce a clause expressive of an action or occurrence requiring caution). See examples of lest used in a sentence.

Get a quick, free translation! LEST definition: 1. in order to prevent any possibility that something will happen: 2. in order to prevent any…. Learn more.

If you do something lest something unpleasant should happen, you do it to try to prevent the unpleasant thing from happening.

Dec 23, 2025 · lest m (definite singular lesten, indefinite plural lester, definite plural lestene) a last (a tool in the shape of a human foot, for shaping or preserving the shape of shoes)

so that (one) should not (used negatively to introduce a clause expressive of an action or occurrence requiring caution): He kept his notes by his side lest faulty memory lead him astray.

Definition of lest conjunction in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

The conjunction lest means (1) for fear that, or (2) in order to avoid. It is followed by something the speaker thinks should be avoided. For example, we might write, “We’re going to proofread this twice …

LEST meaning: 1 : for fear that used to say that you do not want something to happen; 2 : used when you are saying something in order to prevent something from happening