lest

Meaning

1. For fear that; that not; in order to prevent something from happening; in case.
2. that (without the negative particle; introduces the reason for an emotion.)

Synonyms

in case

we hope not

may it not be that

that

otherwise

for fear that

must not

should not

if perchance

if

in case he might

may

or else

preclusive

unless

in order not to

Pronounced as (IPA)

/lɛst/

Etymology

c. 1200, contracted from Middle English les te (“less that”), from Old English þȳ lǣs þe (“whereby less that”), from þȳ (instrumental case of demonstrative article þæt “that”) + lǣs (“less”) + þe (“that,” relative particle). The þȳ was dropped and the remaining two words contracted into leste.