arouse horror

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "arouse horror" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something provokes feelings of fear or dread. Example: "The eerie silence of the abandoned house seemed to arouse horror in anyone who dared to enter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Even the show's centrepiece, The Charnel House, apparently based on footage of a Spanish republican family murdered in the kitchen, is unlikely to arouse horror or sorrow.

The Guardian - Arts

The viewer, who may find the supposedly authentic scenario off-putting but nonetheless compelling -- as images that arouse horror, disgust or bewilderment tend to be -- is nonetheless involved, even implicated, by its apparent authenticity or ability to disturb.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The disappearance of forty-three students of the Ayotzinapa Normal School has aroused horror, indignation, and protest throughout Mexico.

The New Yorker

The disappearance of forty-three students from the Ayotzinapa Normal School has aroused horror, indignation, and protest throughout Mexico.

The New Yorker

The disappearance of the forty-three harousedsed horror, indignation, and protest throughout Mexico and all over the world.

The New Yorker

By Francisco Goldman October 24, 2014 The disappearance of forty-three students from the Ayotzinapa Normal School has aroused horror, indignation, and protest throughout Mexico.

The New Yorker

She has gained so much, including - hopefully - the ability to shop in a store without arousing horror or fear.

Huffington Post

"Covered in blackface makeup, the men try to persuade their beloveds – sisters – to sleep with not merely strangers, but also black strangers, arousing their horror and also undercurrents of taboo desire," writes Zachary Woolfe.

The Guardian

She could not understand why Congo's bloodshed aroused so little horror, despite being one of the most deadly conflicts since the second world war.

The Economist

All our influential friends agreed that the improvement was feeble-minded and even that we stood a far better chance of smothering than we did before, but the thought of slipping one of the boys a sawbuck to away & forget about it aroused nothing but horror.

The New Yorker

In fact, in the 90 years since Friedrich's book came out, we've developed coping strategies to assuage the feelings of horror such imagery arouses.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "arouse horror" when you want to emphasize the act of something provoking a strong feeling of fear or dread, often in response to a specific event or image. Consider the intensity of the emotion you want to convey, as "horror" is a powerful and visceral reaction.

Common error

Avoid using "arouse horror" in situations where the feeling is more akin to mild fear or unease. The phrase is best reserved for scenarios involving extreme dread or terror to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "arouse horror" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun, indicating the act of causing a strong emotional response of fear or dread. It describes how something incites or provokes feelings of intense horror. This is confirmed by Ludwig AI, which indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "arouse horror" is a grammatically sound expression used to describe the act of causing intense feelings of fear or dread. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While not exceedingly common, it effectively conveys a powerful emotional response, primarily in news and media contexts. Alternatives like "evoke terror" or "instill fear" can offer subtle variations in meaning. When using this phrase, it's important to reserve it for scenarios that genuinely warrant such a strong emotion to avoid diluting its impact. Its purpose, as validated by the numerous examples sourced from various contexts, is to emphasize the emotional shock or strong reaction of fear that something creates. The phrase's register is neutral, making it suitable for formal and informal use cases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

evoke terror

Replaces "arouse" with "evoke" and "horror" with "terror", maintaining a similar intensity of fear.

instill fear

Shifts the focus to the act of implanting fear, rather than stirring horror.

spark dread

Uses "spark" instead of "arouse" to suggest a sudden onset of fear.

trigger terror

Implies a more reactive and intense form of fear being activated.

generate apprehension

Creates a sense of unease or anxiety, a milder form of horror.

incite fear

Suggests a deliberate attempt to cause fear.

induce panic

Focuses on causing a state of extreme anxiety and loss of control.

create alarm

Emphasizes the generation of a warning or sense of danger.

stir up fear

Uses a more casual verb to express the action of causing fear.

foster unease

Highlights the gradual development of a feeling of discomfort or anxiety.

FAQs

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

You can use "arouse horror" to describe situations that cause intense fear or dread, such as "The gruesome details of the crime scene aroused horror in the investigators."

What are some alternatives to "arouse horror"?

Consider using alternatives like "evoke terror", "instill fear", or "spark dread" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "arouse horror" a formal or informal phrase?

"Arouse horror" is generally suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but it's crucial to consider the specific tone and audience to ensure it's appropriate.

What's the difference between "arouse horror" and "arouse fear"?

While both phrases indicate the causing of a negative emotion, "arouse horror" suggests a more intense and visceral reaction than "arouse fear", implying a deeper sense of dread and revulsion.