abject fear

USAGE SUMMARY

"abject fear" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which somebody experiences extreme fear, such as when they are facing imminent danger. For example: "The soldier felt an abject fear as the enemy forces advanced."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

Abject fear supersedes their monetary losses.

The New York Times

This is about abject fear".

The New York Times

It is a political and very abject fear.

The Guardian - Opinion

That dominant emotion is fear — an abject fear of change.

The New York Times

Even though one episode made you laugh, the next could have you hyperventilating with abject fear.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Freezing water and abject fear and ungodly punishment were helpful that way.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

It polled two hundred and thirty-two seats, far below its most abject fears.

The New Yorker

If Mr. Bush epitomizes the consistency of small minds as he offers boilerplate, banalities and evasions to almost any question put to him, Mr. Gore epitomizes the paralysis that can befall even a fertile mind that is in abject, craven fear of giving offense.

The New York Times

Trump is partly a product of forces that the G.O.P. created by pandering to a base whose dilated pupils the Party mistook for gullibility, not abject, irrational fear that would send those voters scurrying to the nearest authoritarian savior they could find.

The New Yorker

If years can have moods, 2016 was savage in its anger and abject in its fear.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But the local population lives in abject poverty and fear.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "abject fear" to describe situations where individuals or groups experience a profound and overwhelming sense of fear, often in the face of immediate danger or existential threats. This term is more impactful than simply stating "fear".

Common error

Avoid using "abject fear" to describe mild or everyday anxieties. The term implies a severe and intense emotional response, so reserve it for situations that genuinely warrant such a strong description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "abject fear" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "abject" modifies the noun "fear", intensifying its meaning. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts to describe a state of extreme terror.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "abject fear" is a correct and frequently used phrase to describe a state of extreme terror. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, highlighting its presence across diverse sources, primarily in News & Media. While phrases like "utter terror" or "extreme dread" offer similar meanings, "abject fear" specifically emphasizes the complete and overwhelming nature of the fear. When employing this phrase, ensure the context genuinely warrants such a strong emotional depiction to avoid exaggeration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utter terror

Emphasizes the completeness and intensity of the terror experienced.

extreme dread

Highlights the anticipation of something terrible happening, with a strong feeling of apprehension.

profound anxiety

Focuses on the depth and pervasiveness of the anxiety.

deep-seated panic

Indicates a panic that is rooted deeply within, suggesting a lasting impact.

overwhelming apprehension

Stresses the feeling of being completely consumed by worry about the future.

crippling fear

Highlights the debilitating effect of the fear, suggesting it prevents normal functioning.

consuming terror

Emphasizes how all-encompassing the terror is, taking over one's thoughts and feelings.

intense trepidation

Focuses on a state of alarm or dread, caused by fear that something might happen.

palpable fear

Stresses the tangibility of the fear, making it almost physically present.

acute fear

Highlights the sharpness and suddenness of the fear.

FAQs

How can I use "abject fear" in a sentence?

Use "abject fear" to describe a situation where someone experiences a complete and overwhelming sense of terror. For example: "The refugees lived in "abject fear" of being discovered by the authorities."

What phrases are similar to "abject fear"?

Alternatives to "abject fear" include "utter terror", "extreme dread", or "profound anxiety". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "abjectly fearful"?

While grammatically correct, "abjectly fearful" is less common and may sound awkward. "Abject fear" is a more established and impactful way to express the same idea.

What is the difference between "abject fear" and general fear?

"Abject fear" signifies a far more intense and overwhelming experience than regular fear. It implies a complete loss of control and a sense of utter helplessness.