The Origin of Fear - Fear began as a word, not a feeling. In Old English it pronounced calamity and disaster; ancient Germanic knew it as ambush or danger, while Icelandic adaptations spoke of treachery. This word evolved, became a portrayal of terror and shock. As an emotion it is very powerful, creating twinges and flickers, agitation and anxiety. It is a tool, used by some to fortify and make stronger and used by others to intimidate and destroy.