were afraid of, feared
Жители деревни боялись голодных медведей.
The villagers were afraid of hungry bears.
Дети боялись воды и не умели плавать.
The children were afraid of water and did not know how to swim.
К нам в класс, учителя заходить боялись.
Teachers were afraid to come into our classroom.
— 9th Company (2005)
И не боялись, что он вам в спину выстрелит?
And you weren’t afraid he’d shoot you in the back?
— War (2002)
We weren't afraid of anyone.