arouse fear

USAGE SUMMARY

"arouse fear" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to express sudden or intense feelings of fear and is usually used in the context of someone or something causing that fear. Here is an example: The eerie silence of the graveyard was enough to arouse fear in even the bravest of souls.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The pastor said he had not intended to "arouse fear or stir up or incite hatred" towards any member of the Muslim community.

BBC

In some cases the need to make a decision might arouse fear.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Vouchers are a third rail in Democratic politics — they arouse fears not just about the draining of dollars from public schools but about erosion of the separation of church and state as well.

Los Angeles Times

First, collective panic usually occurs in the kind of situation that arouses fear in any individual.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These reports have aroused fear here of fresh trouble on Kashmir's borders with India.

The New York Times

It cannot be denied that Louis was arrogant and that his arrogance aroused fear and resentment in his neighbours.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Corbyn aroused fear among some on Sunday when he said the "vast majority" did not have to worry about deselection.

The Guardian

While he was arousing fear of Arabs and Scandinavians, he was relying on the support of an actual foreign patron, Sheldon Adelson, the American billionaire and casino operator.

The New Yorker

Her followers take pride in the way she has aroused fear, hatred and panic in the minds of the liberal elite.

The New York Times

Labor can promise to spend more on public services without arousing fear of inflation because of Mr. Brown's conservative fiscal record.

The New York Times

When Fox and North produced a plan to reform the East India Company, which aroused fear that they intended to perpetuate their power by controlling Eastern patronage, the king reemerged as the guardian of the national interest.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "arouse fear" when you want to emphasize the act of awakening or stimulating a feeling of fear in someone or something. It suggests a more active or intentional instigation of fear compared to simply 'cause fear'.

Common error

While both phrases relate to fear, "arouse fear" implies a more active or deliberate instigation, while "cause fear" is more general. Use "arouse fear" when highlighting the process of awakening fear rather than just its occurrence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "arouse fear" functions as a verb phrase with a noun, where "arouse" acts as a transitive verb requiring an object ("fear"). It indicates the action of causing or stimulating a feeling of fear. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correct usage in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "arouse fear" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe the act of causing or stimulating fear. Although relatively rare, as shown by Ludwig, its appearance in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts suggests a neutral to formal register. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Related phrases include "instill fear", "evoke fear", and "generate fear". When using this phrase, consider whether you want to emphasize the active instigation of fear or simply its occurrence. A common mistake is confusing "arouse fear" with "cause fear", so pay attention to the nuances of intentionality. Best practice is to use it when describing the awakening of fear rather than just its existence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

instill fear

Focuses on planting fear deeply within someone.

evoke fear

Highlights the act of bringing fear to the surface.

generate fear

Emphasizes the creation or production of fear.

stir up fear

Suggests agitating or provoking existing or latent fear.

incite fear

Implies actively encouraging or provoking fear.

create apprehension

Uses a more formal term for fear, focusing on unease.

trigger fear

Indicates an action that sets off a sudden experience of fear.

cause fright

Uses a more intense word than fear focusing on a sudden shock.

foment terror

Focuses on promoting widespread fear or panic.

induce trepidation

Uses a formal term to highlight the act of causing someone to worry.

FAQs

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

The phrase "arouse fear" is used to describe the act of causing someone to feel fear. For example, "The speaker's words were intended to "arouse fear" among the public".

What are some synonyms for "arouse fear"?

Alternatives to "arouse fear" include "instill fear", "evoke fear", or "generate fear". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "arouse fear" or "cause fear"?

Both "arouse fear" and "cause fear" are grammatically correct, but they carry slightly different connotations. "Arouse fear" suggests a more deliberate or active process of instigating fear, while "cause fear" is more general. Choose the phrase that best fits the intended meaning in your context.

What is the difference between "arouse fear" and "provoke fear"?

"Arouse fear" suggests stimulating or awakening a feeling of fear, while "provoke fear" implies a stronger reaction, suggesting that the fear leads to some action or response. Consider the intensity of the fear and its consequences when choosing between these phrases.