abject terror

USAGE SUMMARY

'abject terror' is an acceptable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe a feeling of extreme fear or dread. Example: After seeing the horror movie, I was filled with abject terror.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Dinner would be fun, not an abject terror.

The New York Times

We can't ignore the facts," Hacker says in abject terror.

The New Yorker

Forty minutes later, the joy turned to abject terror.

The New York Times

"The Petit family," he wrote, "passed through their fear into the calm waters of abject terror".

The New York Times

Foxes fans responded with a mixture of disillusionment and abject terror.

Independent

Well, disappointment, imperfection and abject terror are what being a parent is all about, Mister.

The New York Times

"I've been vacillating between these highs of total exhilaration at the opportunity and abject terror and despair," she said.

The New York Times

That one question would, if his abject terror of an armed intruder was valid, have saved her life.

Independent

Twelve days after Rumsfeld signed off on the new torture programme, Slahi experienced his most abject terror.

The Guardian

The 12th provided 155 yards of abject terror for Spieth and the first quadruple bogey of his professional career.

The Guardian - Sport

But once the gadget registers 60 knots or more, the overall mood can range from serious concern to abject terror.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "abject terror" to describe situations involving extreme fear or dread that completely overwhelms a person or group.

Common error

Avoid using "abject terror" to describe mild anxiety or common fears. This phrase is reserved for situations of extreme dread.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "abject terror" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "abject" intensifies the noun "terror". It describes a state of extreme fear, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

According to Ludwig, the phrase "abject terror" is indeed acceptable in written English, describing extreme fear or dread. Its grammatical function is that of a noun phrase and according to the examples extracted from the web, the expression serves to emphasize the intensity and overwhelming nature of the fear being experienced and it is commonly found in News & Media. While grammatically sound and frequently used, remember to employ this powerful phrase judiciously, reserving it for situations genuinely characterized by profound dread.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utter dread

Focuses on the intensity of dread, similar to terror but perhaps more prolonged.

complete horror

Emphasizes the feeling of horror, highlighting the repulsive nature of the fear.

profound fear

Highlights the depth and significance of the fear experienced.

intense fright

Focuses on the sudden and sharp sensation of fear.

extreme alarm

Conveys a sense of urgent danger and heightened anxiety.

deep-seated anxiety

Emphasizes the underlying and persistent nature of the fear.

overwhelming panic

Highlights the feeling of being out of control due to intense fear.

crippling fear

Focuses on the incapacitating effect of the fear.

consuming dread

Emphasizes how the dread takes over one's thoughts and feelings.

unmitigated fear

Highlights the lack of any relief or lessening of the fear.

FAQs

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

You can use "abject terror" to describe intense fear, such as: "The hostages felt "abject terror" during the standoff".

What are some alternatives to "abject terror"?

Alternatives include "utter dread", "complete horror", or "profound fear", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "abject terror" in formal writing?

Yes, "abject terror" is appropriate for formal writing when describing extreme fear. However, ensure the context warrants such a strong term.

What distinguishes "abject terror" from simple fear?

"Abject terror" denotes a state of extreme, overwhelming fear, unlike simple fear, which may be mild or manageable.