what is the meaning of lest?

"Lest" is a conjunction that means "for fear that" or "in case that". It is used to express a concern or a fear that something might happen.

Here's how it works:

* Lest + something happens: This expresses the fear of that something happening.

Examples:

* "Eat your vegetables lest you get sick." (This means "Eat your vegetables for fear that you will get sick.")

* "He locked the door lest anyone steal his belongings." (This means "He locked the door in case anyone stole his belongings.")

* "Speak softly lest you wake the baby." (This means "Speak softly for fear that you will wake the baby.")

"Lest" is often used in formal or literary writing, but it can also be used in everyday speech.

It's important to note that "lest" is not interchangeable with "unless" or "if." While "lest" implies a negative consequence, "unless" and "if" do not necessarily imply a negative outcome.