Outbursts of fear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Outbursts of fear" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe sudden and intense expressions of fear, often in emotional or psychological contexts. Example: "During the horror movie, there were several outbursts of fear from the audience, as they reacted to the jump scares."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Waves pound against scuppers as perfervid outbursts of fear and desolation overlap.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The mass exodus of villagers in such a short time had created a sense of fear and distrust that resulted in outbursts of violence locally and beyond.

Stanford University

Fearing further outbursts of anti-Torrijos sentiment, the Torrijos family has had the general's remains removed from their official resting place, a tomb at the edge of a golf course near an American military installation in the former Canal Zone.

The New York Times

I have witnessed teachers give trauma-exposed students a coloring worksheet as an alternative to a math assignment out of fear that the assignment might trigger an outburst.

University of California, Berkeley

The French Embassy said on its Web site that it would close its schools in the capital on Friday and Saturday for fear of renewed outbursts of violence In one of the most disturbing aspects of the situation, Mr. Belaid had himself warned about Tunisia's troubling turn toward violence and called for a national dialogue to combat it.

The New York Times

Recent outbursts of violence underline that concern.

The New York Times

As this primary season of fear and anger has progressed, Trump's rallies have occasionally made headlines for rowdy, mostly white crowds and ugly outbursts.

The Washington Post

The tension is frequently expressed in the form of insomnia, outbursts of irritability, agitation, palpitations of the heart, and fears of death or insanity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And even though the dances, many focusing on harvest and courtship themes, involved exuberant and even joyous outbursts of singing and foot-stamping, there were at least small signs that fear and tension persist.

The New York Times

But he is also demanding and prone to outbursts of angry hyperbole, according to current and former associates, most of whom would speak only anonymously for fear of offending the mayor.

The New York Times

No outbursts of repressed rage?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the intensity and suddenness of the fear when using "outbursts of fear." This phrase is appropriate for situations where fear manifests unexpectedly and powerfully.

Common error

Avoid using "outbursts of fear" to describe mild apprehension or nervousness. This phrase suggests a strong, often overwhelming reaction, and its use in less intense contexts can sound exaggerated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "outbursts of fear" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI explains, it correctly describes sudden and intense expressions of fear. The examples show it used to describe strong emotional reactions.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "outbursts of fear" is a noun phrase used to describe sudden and intense expressions of fear. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically sound and appropriate for conveying strong emotional reactions. While not exceedingly common, it finds usage across various contexts, primarily in news, academic, and scientific domains. When employing this phrase, ensure that the situation warrants the implication of a powerful, uncontrolled reaction, and avoid using it for minor feelings of apprehension. Alternative phrases such as ""fits of terror"" or ""waves of panic"" can offer nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fits of terror

Focuses on the intensity and suddenness of the fear, similar to a seizure.

waves of panic

Emphasizes the overwhelming and encompassing nature of the fear.

spasms of anxiety

Highlights the physical and involuntary aspects of the fear response.

sudden fright

Simplifies the phrase to emphasize the unexpected nature of fear.

expressions of dread

Focuses on the outward manifestation of profound fear.

emotional avalanches of fear

Emphasizes the overwhelming and destructive aspect of fear.

abrupt panic attacks

Highlights the clinical and sudden onset of panic.

irruptions of terror

Focuses on the explosive and uncontrolled nature of fear.

rushes of trepidation

Suggests a quick and overwhelming feeling of anxiety.

explosions of alarm

Emphasizes the sudden and intense nature of the fear response.

FAQs

How can I use "outbursts of fear" in a sentence?

You can use "outbursts of fear" to describe sudden and intense expressions of fear, such as "During the suspenseful movie, there were several "outbursts of fear" from the audience".

What are some alternatives to "outbursts of fear"?

Alternatives include "fits of terror", "waves of panic", or "sudden fright", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "outbursts of fear" grammatically correct?

Yes, "outbursts of fear" is grammatically correct. It follows standard English grammar rules as a noun phrase.

What's the difference between "outbursts of fear" and "moments of fear"?

"Outbursts of fear" implies a sudden and uncontrolled expression, whereas "moments of fear" simply refers to instances or periods when fear is experienced. The former suggests intensity, while the latter is more general.