a wave of terror

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a wave of terror" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden and overwhelming feeling of fear or anxiety that affects a large number of people. Example: "As the news of the attack spread, a wave of terror swept through the city, leaving residents in a state of panic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The thought sent a wave of terror through me.

The New Yorker

Before Brussels, a wave of terror attacks whipped through Turkey, the Ivory Coast, Yemen and elsewhere.

The New York Times

The advertisement spoke of "a wave of terror" against black students, and it contained inaccuracies.

The New York Times

Iran could also initiate a wave of terror attacks in Iraq and elsewhere, with the help of Hezbollah.

The New Yorker

Yet this reality is barely mentioned in the current Israeli rhetoric about "unrest" and a "wave of terror".

The Guardian - Opinion

The new sanctions came in response to a wave of terror that Robert Mugabe had unleashed in the country's Presidential campaign.

The New Yorker

The Israeli government and many Israeli media outlets have framed it as a "wave of terror" unleashed by what they portray as Palestinian incitement.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Eight years after the Oslo accords, amid a wave of Palestinian terror and violence and without a peace agreement, Israel should ask itself, Do we have a partner?

The New York Times

Qayum, who is a slightly fleshier version of Hamid, recounted how his father, who exemplified the old order — the so-called "feudals" — was arrested in a wave of Leninist terror after the Communist coup in 1978.

The New Yorker

Qayum, who is a slightly fleshier version of Hamid, recounted how his father, who exemplified the old order the so-called "feudals"—was arrested in a wave of Leninist terror after the Communist coup in 1978.

The New Yorker

The ironic twist, of course, in the column in Yediot Ahronot by the commentator, Alex Fishman, was that it was not the biggest Israeli military operation in more than three decades that was not normal, or a wave of Palestinian terror attacks.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a wave of terror" to describe situations where fear spreads rapidly and affects a large group of people, often due to violent events or threats.

Common error

While "a wave of terror" is a vivid phrase, avoid using it excessively, as this can desensitize the audience and diminish the impact of your writing. Opt for more specific descriptions of the events or emotions involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a wave of terror" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject or object to describe a period or situation characterized by widespread fear. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a wave of terror" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a period of widespread fear, primarily in news and media contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and appropriateness. While effective, it's important to use the phrase judiciously, opting for more specific descriptions when possible. Alternatives like ""a surge of fear"" or ""a climate of fear"" can provide nuanced perspectives, but might not be fully interchangeable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a surge of fear

Replaces "terror" with "fear" and "wave" with "surge", focusing on the emotional impact.

an outbreak of violence

Shifts the focus from the emotional impact to the violent acts themselves.

a reign of terror

Emphasizes the prolonged and oppressive nature of the terror.

a climate of fear

Highlights the pervasive and environmental aspect of fear.

a campaign of intimidation

Focuses on the deliberate and planned use of fear to control others.

a period of unrest

Broadens the scope to include general disturbance and instability.

a series of attacks

Highlights the sequence of violent actions.

widespread panic

Emphasizes the collective and uncontrolled fear.

mass hysteria

Suggests an irrational and exaggerated emotional response.

a time of great anxiety

Focuses on the feeling of worry and unease.

FAQs

How can "a wave of terror" be used in a sentence?

"A wave of terror" is often used to describe the aftermath or anticipation of violent events, as in, "The bombings unleashed "a wave of terror" throughout the city."

What phrases are similar to "a wave of terror"?

Similar phrases include "a surge of fear", "a climate of fear", or "a reign of terror", each with slightly different connotations.

Is "a wave of terror" an overused expression?

While common, "a wave of terror" can be effective if used sparingly. Consider more specific language if the context allows for it, to avoid cliché.

What distinguishes "a wave of terror" from "a climate of fear"?

"A wave of terror" suggests a sudden, intense period of fear, whereas "a climate of fear" implies a more sustained and pervasive atmosphere of anxiety.