a feeling of terror

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a feeling of terror" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an intense emotional response to fear or dread in various contexts, such as literature, personal experiences, or psychological discussions. Example: "As the horror movie reached its climax, I was overwhelmed by a feeling of terror that made my heart race."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

I hear a bell and I get a feeling of terror.

The New Yorker

"Now we have a feeling of terror here, that there will be killing and beating.

The New York Times

It's a feeling of terror and wonder at something much bigger and more powerful than you, whether that thing is a volcano, the sun, death or the internet.

The Guardian - Film

Due to its height, it could "scarcely be crossed for the first time without something like a feeling of terror".

Wikipedia

Joy is an emotion that many people seek to experience, but Dr. Brené Brown says it often brings with it a feeling of terror.

HuffPost

Horror – Books that create a feeling of terror or dread in the reader, often incorporating supernatural elements.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

When we first heard we had the funding, there was a feeling of complete terror.

The Guardian

Follow MegAndKoester on Twitter.

Vice

Some expats argued to me that the violence last winter did not exceed previous levels, but the attacks' proximity to one another fuelled a new feeling of terror.

The New Yorker

"I must confess," he wrote, "that the sight has left on my mind an extraordinary feeling of terror and shame.

The Guardian - Opinion

Because everybody's being woken up at 3 30 a.m. by the cracking sound of gunfire and sobbing American soldiers attempting to hang themselves from every available broken lamppost, there's an inescapable feeling of terror and doom everywhere.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about intense fear, use "a feeling of terror" to convey a sense of extreme dread and alarm. This phrase is effective in both fiction and non-fiction to express a character's or a person's emotional state.

Common error

Avoid using "a feeling of terror" to describe mild discomfort or anxiety. This phrase is reserved for extreme situations; using it inappropriately can diminish its impact and sound melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a feeling of terror" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It describes a state of being, specifically an intense emotional response. Examples on Ludwig showcase its use in describing subjective experiences of fear and dread. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Wiki

24%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

8%

Social Media

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a feeling of terror" is a noun phrase used to describe an intense emotional state of fear. It's grammatically correct, though not extremely common, and used in contexts like news, encyclopedias and scientific writing. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity. When using this phrase, consider the context carefully to ensure it accurately reflects the intensity of the fear being described, avoiding overuse in milder situations. Related phrases include "a sense of dread" or "profound fear". The most authoritative sources using this phrase include The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a profound fear

Emphasizes the depth and intensity of the fear experience.

a sense of dread

Emphasizes anticipation of something unpleasant; slightly less intense than terror.

a chilling dread

Highlights the sense of coldness and foreboding associated with the fear.

overwhelming dread

Underscores the magnitude and intensity of the feeling of dread.

a wave of panic

Focuses on the sudden onset and overwhelming nature of the fear.

sheer panic

Focuses on the unreasoning and uncontrollable nature of the fear response.

utter horror

Conveys extreme revulsion and shock, often associated with witnessing something terrible.

crippling fear

Indicates that the fear is debilitating and prevents normal functioning.

a state of alarm

Highlights a heightened awareness of danger, but not necessarily terror.

a surge of anxiety

Points to a more generalized feeling of worry and unease, less acute than terror.

FAQs

How can I use "a feeling of terror" in a sentence?

You can use "a feeling of terror" to describe an intense emotional state, such as "The sound of the bell gave him "a feeling of terror" because it reminded him of a past trauma."

What are some alternatives to "a feeling of terror"?

Alternatives include "a sense of dread", "a wave of panic", or "profound fear", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a feeling of terror" in formal writing?

Yes, "a feeling of terror" is appropriate in formal writing when accurately describing an extreme emotional state. However, ensure the context warrants such a strong expression.

What's the difference between "a feeling of terror" and "a feeling of anxiety"?

"A feeling of terror" describes an intense, overwhelming fear, often associated with immediate danger. "A feeling of anxiety" is a more general state of worry and unease, which may not necessarily involve immediate threat or extreme fear.