In Cecil’s latest column, he uses the word “dread” as an adjective (in the sentence “Leprosy, one of history’s most dread diseases, has been around since ancient times.”. Sure enough, http://www.m-w.com/ says that “dread” can be a noun, verb or adjective. I’ve heard this before, but have also heard the word “dreaded” used as an adjective.
Is “dreaded” a word? Can it be used as an adjective or simply a past-tense verb?
Yes, you are right. I looked in the Webster’s New
Collegiate Dictionary and it only gives the word,
“dread” but I don’t see “dreaded”. We like to use
the word “dreaded” because it flows better.
English is a constant battleground over regularization. “Dread” seems archaic to me. In the “bad” sense it lies (for me) closer to affected than mannered; in the “awesome” sense closer to mannered. Mind you, I’m from a country where you are taken to hospital after an accident involving doing some maths about sport, so my ear may not be attuned to US lugs. It is a classic* column, so perhaps the Dread Cecil has been overtaken by developments.
*[sub]a word now meaning “old yet saleable”.[/sub]
Since “dread” is a weak transitive verb, “dreaded” is a perfectly good participle. It happens that “dread” is also an adjective, meaning “dreaded”. Nothing remotely wrong with using either one.
Funny old language, English.
Huh? Cite?
“Huh?”
picmr was trying to point out that we are two peoples divided by a common language. 
Lorry versus truck, boot vs. trunk, pissed meaning drunk vs. pissed meaning angry, etcetera.
As opposed to being from a country (U.S.) where you are taken to the hospital after an accident involving doing some math**_** about sports.
picmr is an Aussie.
“Dread” is also a noun meaning Rasta locks, or de Rastaman 'imself.
Besides, “the Dreaded Pirate Roberts” just doesn’t have the same sound to it.