cha.tat denotes being dismayed or overwhelmed by fear, and in a few clauses causing such alarm.

The predominant use describes people, groups, or things as dismayed in the face of enemies, danger, reproach, or calamity; it commonly occurs in commands not to fear or be dismayed. A smaller set of clauses presents the term in a causative setting, where dreams or impending judgment bring terror.

1. Being dismayed or overcome by fear · dominant

   Niphal forms repeatedly occur in exhortations not to fear in the face of conflict or opposition: in Joshua 1:9 the APB renders the command alongside being strong and courageous, and in 2 Chronicles 20:15 it addresses a great multitude. The same state is reported of Saul and Israel after hearing the Philistine in 1 Samuel 17:11, while Job 39:22 describes one who does not turn back from the sword.

   Joshua 1:92 Chronicles 20:151 Samuel 17:11Job 39:22Ezekiel 2:6Jeremiah 30:10
2. Causing terror or alarm · rare

   In Job 7:14, a Piel sequential perfect occurs where the speaker says that dreams and visions bring fear; the APB renders the clause "then you frighten me with dreams and terrify me with visions." In Jeremiah 49:37, a Hiphil sequential perfect occurs in the announced action against Elam, rendered "I will terrify Elam before their enemies."

   Job 7:14Jeremiah 49:37

In the Anselm Project Bible: The APB most often presents the term with "dismayed" or "be dismayed," especially in warnings not to fear. In the causative clauses it uses "frighten" and "terrify"; These renderings describe the clauses rather than supplying a separate definition for every form.