arouse dread

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "arouse dread" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that instills fear or anxiety in someone. Example: "The eerie silence of the abandoned house seemed to arouse dread in all who entered."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

In almost all cultures throughout history, leprosy has aroused dread and loathing about the prospect of incurable disease and a lifetime of progressive disfigurement.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This article aroused in me the same sense of dread and fear that I felt during the Cold War.

The New Yorker

Mark A. Wolfgram Ottawa, Ont., Canada This article aroused in me the same sense of dread and fear that I felt during the Cold War.

The New Yorker

The antithesis of his work for children, Mr. Lionni's unnatural naturalism arouses in this observer admiration and fascination tinged with dread.

The New York Times

When the invitation arrived for this recent alumni reading and reunion, it aroused in me the usual reactions: dread, curiosity, regret, despair.

The New York Times

The mere mention of freshers' week can arouse that odd mix of stomach-churning dread and euphoric anticipation.

The Guardian

Anxiety and dread are not feelings that most musicals aim to arouse, but they are inevitable in "Carrie" because most audiences know the climax, made famous in the 1976 movie starring Sissy Spacek.

The New York Times

Dread builds.

The New York Times - Arts

Existential dread?

The New Yorker

Mostly dread.

The Guardian - Sport

Just dread.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "arouse dread", consider the intensity of emotion you want to convey. It's stronger than "cause concern" but weaker than "evoke terror". Choose the phrase that best fits the specific context.

Common error

Avoid using "arouse dread" in casual conversation. It sounds overly dramatic. Simpler alternatives like "make me nervous" or "worry me" are more appropriate for informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "arouse dread" functions as a verb phrase, where "arouse" acts as a transitive verb taking "dread" as its object. It describes the action of causing or instilling a feeling of intense fear and anxiety.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "arouse dread" is a grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe the act of instilling intense fear or anxiety. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is a valid and usable expression in written English. However, due to its relative formality, it is more suited for descriptive writing or narrative contexts than casual conversation. While semantically appropriate alternatives such as "instill fear" or "evoke terror" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance and intensity desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Instill fear

Focuses on the act of causing fear, similar to "arouse dread" but more direct.

Provoke fear

Similar to 'instill fear' but suggests a more reactive or stimulated response.

Evoke terror

Emphasizes a stronger feeling of fear than "arouse dread".

Awaken trepidation

Implies a more formal or literary tone to the feeling of dread.

Create foreboding

Focuses on creating a feeling that something bad is going to happen.

Inspire anxiety

Highlights the creation of anxiety, a more specific emotion than general dread.

Incite alarm

Emphasizes a sudden and urgent sense of fear or concern.

Generate apprehension

Focuses on creating a sense of unease or worry about the future.

Stir unease

Suggests a milder form of dread, focusing on discomfort and lack of peace.

Raise concern

Highlights the action of causing worry or disquiet.

FAQs

How can I use "arouse dread" in a sentence?

Use "arouse dread" to describe something that instills a feeling of fear or apprehension. For example, "The eerie silence of the abandoned house seemed to arouse dread in all who entered."

What is a less formal way to say "arouse dread"?

Alternatives like "make me nervous", "worry me", or "scare me" are suitable for informal contexts.

What emotions does "arouse dread" convey?

"Arouse dread" primarily conveys fear, apprehension, and a sense of impending doom or unease. It suggests a strong, negative emotional response.

Is "arouse dread" interchangeable with "cause fear"?

While similar, "arouse dread" suggests a more profound and lingering sense of fear than "cause fear". "Cause fear" is more direct, while "arouse dread" implies a deeper, more unsettling feeling.