What's the meaning of "out of fear"?

Question

"We choose our path out of fear. "

Does it mean:
(A) We choose this path because of fear;
or
(B) We choose this path to get rid of fear.
If the meaning is (A), then could I make a sentence in the meaning of (B) with "out of fear".

user 66974 · Answer

It is the following connotation of out of:

used to show the reason why someone does something:

I took the job out of necessity because we had no money left.
You might like to come and see what we're doing out of interest (= because I think you might be interested).

Cambridge Dictionary)

WS2 · Answer

It is OED sense 4 of the phrase out of, meaning "by reason of".

4.a. From (something) as a cause or motive; as the result or effect of; because or by reason of.

The OED has examples of its use dating from 1225.

What's the meaning of "out of fear"?

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