This is the 842nd most frequent Japanese word.
恐れ
Fear; dread; anxiety.
In this sentence, '恐れ' (osore) is used to refer to a phobia or fear, specifically the fear of heights.
彼は高所恐怖症で、高いところを恐れます。
He has a fear of heights and is afraid of high places.
In this usage, '恐れ' refers to the act of being afraid or concerned about something, specifically failure.
彼は失敗を恐れずに新しい挑戦に挑む。
He faces new challenges without fearing failure.
Here, '恐れ' is employed to describe a possibility or risk, as in the potential of flooding occurring.