blind fear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "blind fear" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an intense, irrational fear that is not based on reason or logic. Example: "In the face of the unexpected storm, she was overcome by blind fear, unable to think clearly or make rational decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

But these are problems that the government can address unlike blind fear of competition from a wakening giant.

The Economist

Society needs to beware scientific hubris on one side and blind fear of the new on the other.

The Economist

FOOTNOTES [1] The concept of cancer phobia was first coined in 1955 by Dr. George Crile Jr. in an article in Life magazine, "A Plea Against Blind Fear".

The New York Times

It is not fumes of hatred that rise up amid the blind fear caused by such attacks – a collective "fear-monster" spawned by the rockets and shame at the screaming and trampling that they cause.

The Guardian - Books

But replacing the old oil tank comes from another impulse, which is pure, blind fear — the fear of poisoning our little patch of green, of contaminating groundwater, of devastating wildlife and otherwise visiting ruin on something pristine and good and then depleting all our resources to clean the mess up.

The New York Times

It's promoting blind fear about the future instead of rational discussions about the pros and cons of each change.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

The means of destruction may be more sophisticated in the modern West, and the exploitation may be less direct than outright slavery, but blind, fear-driven domination continues, with ever greater global consequences.

SEP

Now practicing all this will mean that when in a situation of violence when normally you would feel fear or insecurity say your angry word, rage blinds fear and makes the adrenalin work for you then tap the place on your body that makes you feel powerful and confident.

WikiHow

There wasn't time.' The diamond haltingly moved forward, the boys 'half blind with fear.' " German machine guns mowed down the unit, killing almost 40 G.I.'s.

The New York Times - Books

By New Yorker Festival September 5, 2016 If you spent your Labor Day weekend anxiously trying to figure out the identities of our Festival blind items, fear not — this morning, our 2016 Festival program guide went out into the world.

The New Yorker

If you spent your Labor Day weekend anxiously trying to figure out the identities of our Festival blind items, fear not — this morning, our 2016 Festival program guide went out into the world.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "blind fear" when you want to convey an intense, irrational fear that clouds judgment and prevents rational decision-making. It's particularly effective in describing situations where the fear is disproportionate to the actual threat.

Common error

Avoid using "blind fear" excessively in formal or academic writing where a more nuanced or specific term might be more appropriate. Instead of saying someone acted out of "blind fear", consider specifying the underlying anxiety or motivation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "blind fear" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "blind" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "fear". Ludwig examples show its use to describe intense, irrational fear, often leading to impaired judgment or decision-making. It indicates a state of being overwhelmed by fear.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

23%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "blind fear" is a noun phrase denoting an intense, irrational fear that impairs judgment. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and usable in various contexts, primarily appearing in news and media, as well as wiki contexts. It serves to highlight situations where fear dominates reason. When writing, be mindful of the audience and purpose, and consider more nuanced alternatives in formal settings. Use "blind fear" when conveying a sense of overwhelming dread and impaired decision-making. This phrase is commonly used, but not very common.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

irrational fear

Emphasizes the lack of reason or logic behind the fear.

unreasoning terror

Highlights the lack of rational thought associated with the terror.

overwhelming dread

Focuses on the intensity and consuming nature of the fear.

paralyzing fear

Highlights the incapacitating effect of the fear.

sheer panic

Emphasizes the sudden and intense nature of the fear.

uncontrollable anxiety

Focuses on the inability to manage or contain the feeling of anxiety.

visceral dread

Highlights the instinctive, gut-level nature of the fear.

consuming terror

Focuses on how the fear dominates one's thoughts and actions.

unfounded apprehension

Highlights the lack of a solid basis for the fear.

instinctive fear

Suggests that the fear is based on instinct rather than reason.

FAQs

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

You can use "blind fear" to describe a situation where someone is acting out of intense, irrational fear. For example, "The market crash triggered "blind panic" among investors."

What are some alternatives to saying "blind fear"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "irrational fear", "unreasoning terror", or "overwhelming dread".

Is it correct to say "blind fear" or should I use another phrase?

"Blind fear" is a correct and commonly used phrase. Its effectiveness depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. Consider alternatives if you need a more precise description of the emotion.

What's the difference between "blind fear" and "irrational fear"?

"Blind fear" emphasizes the lack of clear perception or understanding due to the intensity of the fear, while "irrational fear" highlights the lack of logical basis for the fear. The phrases are similar and often interchangeable.