absolute fear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "absolute fear" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of complete and overwhelming fear, often in a dramatic or intense context. Example: "As the storm approached, she felt an absolute fear that paralyzed her, making it impossible to move."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Absolute fear.

The New Yorker

"There has been an absolute fear of even talking about it.

The New York Times - Books

"The absolute, absolute fear they feel, of even trying to venture out, to even believe – fear, it's just fear.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"I live in absolute fear of what happens in those tunnels," Joseph Lhota said last week, at a press conference at Penn Station.

The New Yorker

But not for one second did I think about that absolute fear, that terrifying pit-in-the-stomach fear of losing your kids".

The Guardian - Music

Malouf, in contrast, portrays the absolute fear and dread of the "civilised" mind (represented by Ovid) in the face of the truly primitive.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Canadians live in absolute petrified fear of winter.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He said that in his later years, he was unable to get work "because we live in a country that worships youth and has an absolute hysterical fear of death".

The New York Times

It's absolute, utter fear.

Huffington Post

It was as though there were some dark, self-defeating relief in trading niggling everyday doubts about our children's care for our absolute worst fears -- for a story with monsters, not just human beings who didn't always treat our kids exactly as we would like; for a fate so horrific and bizarre that no parent, no matter how vigilant, could have ever prevented it.

The New York Times - Magazine

"So I think they should go out and play an absolute no-fear brand of cricket.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "absolute fear" to convey a sense of complete and overwhelming terror, often in situations involving imminent danger or existential threat. This phrase is most effective when you want to emphasize the intensity of the emotion.

Common error

Avoid using "absolute fear" too frequently in your writing, as it can lose its impact. Vary your language by using synonyms like "utter terror" or "sheer panic" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "absolute fear" functions as a noun phrase, specifically acting as the object of a verb or the subject complement. It describes a state of being or feeling, indicating a complete and overwhelming sense of fear. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "absolute fear" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote a state of complete and overwhelming terror. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for use in written English across various contexts. While generally neutral in register, it finds frequent application in news and media, as well as in scientific domains, serving to vividly emphasize the intensity of fear. While synonyms like "utter terror" or "sheer panic" can offer nuanced alternatives, avoid overusing "absolute fear" to retain its impact. Understanding its function and purpose allows writers to effectively harness its descriptive power.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utter terror

Replaces "absolute fear" with a slightly more dramatic term.

sheer panic

Emphasizes the sudden and overwhelming nature of the fear.

overwhelming dread

Focuses on the oppressive and burdensome quality of the fear.

intense anxiety

Shifts the focus to a more psychological state of unease and worry.

profound terror

Replaces "absolute" with "profound" suggesting a deep and significant fear.

deep-seated fear

Implies that the fear is ingrained or long-lasting.

paralyzing fear

Highlights the immobilizing effect of the fear.

crippling anxiety

Similar to paralyzing fear, emphasizes the disabling aspect of the anxiety.

consuming dread

Suggests that the fear completely occupies one's thoughts and feelings.

uncontrollable terror

Emphasizes the lack of ability to manage the fear.

FAQs

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

You can use "absolute fear" to describe a state of complete and overwhelming fear. For example: "The thought of public speaking filled her with "absolute fear"."

What's the difference between "absolute fear" and "intense fear"?

"Absolute fear" implies a complete and overwhelming sense of terror, while "intense fear" suggests a high degree of fear that may not be as all-encompassing. The former is often used in more dramatic or critical contexts.

Are there alternatives to "absolute fear"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "utter terror", "sheer panic", or "overwhelming dread" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "absolute fear" in formal writing?

While "absolute fear" is generally acceptable, consider the tone and context of your writing. In highly formal or academic settings, a more nuanced phrase like "profound apprehension" might be more suitable.