attract fear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "attract fear" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that causes or elicits fear in others. Example: "The dark, abandoned house seemed to attract fear from anyone who dared to approach it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Those comments will sting among Cuban-Americans in South Florida, but among many of the Panhandle voters that Colonel Day has been enlisted to attract, fear of Hispanic influence is not uncommon.

The New York Times

I like the idea that you attract fear to you".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

But, as Robert Crease, a speaker at the AAAS conference pointed out, "great events attract great fears".

Science Magazine

For much of its existence, D. & D. has attracted ridicule, fear, and threats of censorship from those who don't play or understand the game.

The New Yorker

As is true of any ruling institution, the corporation now attracts mistrust, fear and demands for accountability from an increasingly anxious public.

The Economist

Hovering edgily between tears and laughter, it is impeccably performed by Kate Winslet and Patrick Wilson, as illicit lovers, and by Jackie Earle Haley as a sex offender who attracts the fear and loathing of the Massachusetts town.

The Guardian

DW: You attract what you fear, right?

The Guardian - Film

"Tried not to attract attention for fear of being mentioned.

Huffington Post

"Does being unnecessarily fearful somehow attract the very thing you fear?" wonders nominator suzi, whose choice of Azalea Flower by Karine Polwart makes number seven.

The Guardian - Music

Presumably that was the primary goal of the perpetrators — to attract attention, to spawn fear.

The New Yorker

Presumably that was the primary goal of the perpetrators to attract attention, to spawn fear.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "attract fear", consider the connotation. It often implies that the subject somehow invites or draws fear, rather than simply causing it unintentionally. Ensure this aligns with your intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "attract fear" when the subject clearly doesn't intend to cause fear but does so indirectly. Phrases like "cause fear" or "generate fear" may be more appropriate in those cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "attract fear" functions as a verb phrase, where "attract" is the verb and "fear" is the direct object. It describes the action of something causing or drawing fear to itself. Ludwig confirms its usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "attract fear" is a grammatically correct but relatively rare expression used to describe something that elicits or draws fear. As noted by Ludwig, it is usable in written English. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, the phrase suggests a magnetic quality to the subject, implying that it invites fear, either intentionally or unintentionally. Alternatives like "instill fear" or "evoke fear" may be more appropriate depending on the desired nuance. When using "attract fear", be mindful of the connotation of invitation or magnetism.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

draw fear

Similar to "attract fear", but emphasizes the drawing aspect.

instill fear

Focuses on the action of causing fear, rather than attracting it.

evoke fear

Highlights the elicitation of fear as a response.

generate fear

Emphasizes the creation of fear.

provoke fear

Indicates that something incites fear.

invite fear

Suggests that fear is welcomed or allowed.

bring about fear

Focuses on the result of causing fear.

give rise to fear

Emphasizes the creation of fear as a consequence.

magnetize fear

Implies a strong attraction of fear, using a more figurative term.

solicit fear

Indicates a seeking or requesting of fear, which may not always be the intent.

FAQs

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

You can use "attract fear" to describe something that causes or elicits fear in others. For example, "The dark, abandoned house seemed to attract fear from anyone who dared to approach it."

What can I say instead of "attract fear"?

You can use alternatives like "instill fear", "evoke fear", or "generate fear" depending on the context.

Is it more common to say "attract fear" or "cause fear"?

"Cause fear" is generally more common. "Attract fear" implies a more magnetic or inviting quality to the subject, while "cause fear" is a more general term for inducing fear.

What is the connotation of "attract fear"?

"Attract fear" often implies that something, either intentionally or unintentionally, draws fear towards it, suggesting a certain magnetism or inevitable consequence. It's distinct from simply causing fear.