peur

Peur is a French noun that denotes the affective state of fear, an emotion elicited by perceived danger or threat. It is used both in everyday speech and in scientific discussion to describe a spectrum from mild unease to intense terror. In French, phrases such as avoir peur (to be afraid), faire peur (to frighten), and avoir peur de quelque chose (to be afraid of something) are common. Idioms include peur bleue (great fear) and la peur au ventre (felt fear).

Etymology: Peur derives from Old French peur, itself from Latin pavor, meaning fear or terror. The French term shares cognates with other Romance languages, such as Italian paura and Portuguese pavor, reflecting the common Latin origin.

In psychology and biology: Fear is a basic emotion that prepares the body for fight or flight. It can be triggered by real threats or perceived danger, and involves physiological changes such as increased heart rate, heightened alertness, and release of stress hormones. While adaptive in moderation, excessive or persistent fear may contribute to anxiety disorders or phobias. The term peur covers both everyday fear and more intense phobic states in common speech.

Cultural usage: In literature, film, and public discourse, peur appears as a motif to explore vulnerability, danger, and social dynamics. The expression and perception of peur vary across contexts and cultures, reflecting differences in risk assessment, coping strategies, and collective anxiety. As with other emotions, the study of peur intersects with linguistics, psychology, and neuroscience to understand how fear influences behavior and decision making.