1. A widespread and persistent feeling of fear or anxiety that pervades an entire situation, environment, or group of people
A pervasive dread filled the office after the company announced layoffs.
Um pavor generalizado tomou conta do escritório após a empresa anunciar demissões.
2. An all-encompassing sense of apprehension that seems to be everywhere and impossible to escape
The pervasive dread before the exam was felt by all the students.
O terror generalizado antes da prova era sentido por todos os alunos.