This is the 12118th most frequent Polish word.
lękiem
The Polish word "lękiem" means "fear" or "anxiety" (instrumental case).
Here, "lękiem" functions as an instrumental case noun linked to the verb "podeszła" (approached). It indicates the feeling with which the action was done.
Z lękiem podeszła do ciemnego lasu.
She approached the dark forest with fear.
In this sentence, "lękiem" represents an abstract fear or concern about failure, expressed causatively affecting one's decisions.
Lękiem przed porażką nie możemy pozwolić sobie na stagnację.
Fear of failure cannot let us accept stagnation.
Here, "lękiem" expresses the manner or means through which an action (overcoming limitations) was achieved, suggesting emotional impact.