Question

above all, french bosses dread a call from the elysée.
source: economist
in this sentence, dread means to:
look down on with contempt
be afraid or scared of
transmit information
accept as a challenge

Explanation:

The word "dread" in the context of "French bosses dread a call from the Elysée" implies a negative emotion. "Look down on with contempt" (contempt is a different negative emotion than what "dread" implies). "Transmit information" is not related to the emotional context. "Accept as a challenge" is a positive - connotation action. "Be afraid or scared of" fits the context of bosses having an unpleasant feeling (fear - like) about the call.

Answer:

be afraid or scared of