lest

Pronunciation

• IPA ^(key): /lɛst/

• Audio (US)

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Preposition

Preposition lest

1. (formal) If you do something lest something unpleasant happen, you do it to try to prevent the unpleasant thing from happening.

   She said nothing, lest anyone think she didn't agree.

   He paused, afraid lest he say too much.