'afeard' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'āfǣran,' where 'ā-' meant 'intensive' and 'fǣran' meant 'to frighten.'

'āfǣran' transformed into the Middle English word 'afere,' and eventually became the modern English word 'afeard.'

Initially, it meant 'to frighten intensely,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'afraid or frightened.'