a wave of fear

USAGE SUMMARY

"a wave of fear" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a sudden and intense feeling of fear that overcomes someone or a group of people. Example: As the rollercoaster climbed to its peak, a wave of fear washed over the passengers as they prepared for the steep drop.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

If there is a wave that risks flooding Britain, it is a wave of fear and foolishness.

Independent

A chill has gripped the wider aid community in Vientiane; a foreign resident calls it a wave of fear.

The Economist

Yet, that paper set off a wave of fear that has helped convince thousands of people that vaccinations are dangerous.

The New Yorker

The failed attack set off a wave of fear, helping to derail the Obama administration's plans to prosecute five accused conspirators in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

The New York Times

A wave of fear began sweeping through the migrant communities after several people from the northeast were beaten up in Pune, a city not far from Mumbai.

The New York Times

According to the Royal Ulster Constabulary, the murder appeared to be sectarian in intent, committed soley to produce a wave of fear & bad blood.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

American companies are adding jobs slowly and unevenly, just enough to plug the dike against a wave of fears that the economy could slip back into recession.

The New York Times

A wave is sweeping across our nation: a wave of fear-driven male rage.

University of Chicago

Obama's tenure as president touched off a wave of fears about sweeping gun restrictions, stoked by rhetoric from the NRA, that often seemed disproportionate to the reforms actually proposed by his administration. .

Huffington Post

Two children at Frost Elementary have been bitten and it set off a wave of tick fear.

The New York Times

The apparent beheading of Foley has sparked a wave of global fear and revulsion like that generated by al-Qa'ida in Iraq nearly 10 years ago, when orange-clad captives were murdered by the predecessors to Isis.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a wave of fear" to describe situations where a collective or individual experience a sudden and overwhelming feeling of fear. This phrase is useful for illustrating the emotional impact of events, announcements, or threats.

Common error

Avoid using "a wave of fear" when the situation describes a prolonged state of unease or worry. "Anxiety" is more suitable for chronic or long-term concerns, while "fear" describes a more immediate and intense reaction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a wave of fear" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a sudden and intense emotional experience. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a wave of fear" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes a sudden, intense, and widespread feeling of fear. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, especially in News & Media to highlight the emotional impact of events. When using the phrase, remember that it's best suited for describing immediate and overwhelming reactions, and avoid using it in situations that describe prolonged anxiety. Instead of "a wave of fear", consider alternatives like "a surge of terror" or "a ripple of panic" to tailor your language to the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a surge of terror

Replaces "fear" with "terror" to intensify the feeling; "surge" also implies a sudden rush.

a ripple of panic

"Panic" conveys a more acute and widespread fear, while "ripple" suggests a spreading effect.

a tide of anxiety

Uses "anxiety" to represent a state of worry and unease, with "tide" suggesting a gradual increase and pervasiveness.

a spreading sense of dread

Focuses on the gradual expansion of a feeling of foreboding and apprehension.

a climate of terror

Shifts from a momentary event to a sustained atmosphere of intense fear.

a groundswell of trepidation

Replaces 'fear' with 'trepidation' denoting a state of alarm or dread; "groundswell" suggests a gradual building.

an atmosphere of unease

Emphasizes a general feeling of discomfort and anxiety present in a given environment.

a palpable sense of alarm

Highlights the tangibility and widespread presence of a feeling of sudden anxiety and fright.

a wash of apprehension

Uses "apprehension" indicating anxiety or fear that something bad or unpleasant will happen; "wash" conveys a sweeping sensation.

a storm of worry

Focuses on intense and chaotic feelings of concern and fear.

FAQs

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

You can use "a wave of fear" to describe a sudden and intense feeling of fear affecting many people. For example, "The news of the pandemic caused "a wave of fear" to spread across the country".

What can I say instead of "a wave of fear"?

You can use alternatives like "a surge of terror", "a ripple of panic", or "a tide of anxiety" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a wave of fear"?

Yes, "a wave of fear" is a correct and commonly used expression to describe a sudden, intense feeling of fear that spreads quickly through a group of people or an individual.

What's the difference between "a wave of fear" and "a sense of unease"?

"A wave of fear" describes a more immediate and intense reaction to a specific event, while "a sense of unease" refers to a more general and subtle feeling of discomfort or anxiety that may not have a clear cause.