lest

conjunction
UK: /lest/
US: /lest/
  1. In order to prevent something from happening.

    1. I'll set out early lest I miss the train.
    2. They spoke in whispers lest anyone should overhear their conversation about the secret plan.

Synonyms

in case

Frequently Asked Questions

The phonetic transcription of "lest" is /lest/ in British English and /lest/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "lest": in case.

Example usage of "lest": "I'll set out early lest I miss the train.". More examples on the page.