cry of horror

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cry of horror" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a loud, emotional expression of fear or distress, often in response to a frightening situation. Example: "As the monster emerged from the shadows, a chilling cry of horror echoed through the darkened room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Stage

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The scream was the universal cry of horror.

The Guardian - Sport

It is a fine performance spoiled only by Kent's decision to use amplification to register Oedipus' offstage cry of horror: a touch that would have this theatre's namesake spinning in his grave.

The Guardian

Alongside Ian McKellen, Howard was the leading heroic actor of his generation, someone whose voice, even in a misfired 1993 National Theatre Macbeth (known as the "gas-ring" Macbeth on account of some circular ground level lighting of blue flames), thrillingly encompassed, said the critic Irving Wardle, a sardonic croak, a lyrical caress, a one-man brass section and a whinnying cry of horror.

The Guardian

He's full of eminent common sense and it's a cry of horror at the venality, selfishness and political corruption that can allow such a state of affairs to exist.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

You'd think the cries of horror and anger might only be drowned out by whoops of derision.

The New Yorker

There is something comical, therefore, in the cries of horror at the possibility that it might choose to do so.

The Guardian

Cue cries of horror (though not many, it is safe to say, from around working-class kitchen sinks).

The Guardian

"In my heart, I know that it is time for someone else" to have the opportunity to host the show, he said, to cries of horror.

The New Yorker

There were cries of horror and general consternation when the New York City Ballet announced that George Balanchine would create a "Nutcracker" for the company.

The New York Times

Within days of Silvio Berlusconi's victory, Giulio Tremonti, his likely finance minister raised doubts about enlarging the EU: not too fast, he said, the development of Italy's south must come first.From the European Commission came cries of horror.

The Economist

Not surprisingly, given the cries of horror that arose when it looked as if Mr Obama's health reforms might reduce Medicare spending, Mr Ryan's road map, rather like that bridge in Alaska, is for the moment not going anywhere either.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cry of horror" to vividly depict immediate and intense reactions to shocking or frightening events. It effectively conveys the emotional impact and can heighten the drama in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "cry of horror" for minor instances of surprise or dislike. This phrase is best reserved for genuinely terrifying or deeply disturbing scenarios to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cry of horror" functions as a noun phrase typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. It vividly describes a vocal expression of extreme fear, shock, or revulsion. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in various news and media contexts, often to dramatize a scene.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Stage

25%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cry of horror" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to depict a vocal reaction to extreme fear or shock. Ludwig AI validates its usage across varied contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, it leans towards informal, making it ideal for descriptive and narrative contexts. Related phrases such as "scream of terror" or "shriek of horror" offer nuanced alternatives. Employ "cry of horror" to dramatically emphasize the impact of horrifying situations, but avoid overuse in trivial contexts. Ludwig confirms that "cry of horror" is an effective tool for intensifying narrative drama, provided it's used judiciously.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scream of terror

Emphasizes the terror aspect of the sound, suggesting a higher pitch and intensity.

shriek of horror

Similar to scream, but can imply a more piercing or uncontrolled sound.

outcry of horror

Shifts the focus to a collective expression of horror, often public.

yelp of horror

Represents a short, sharp cry, indicating sudden shock and horror.

gasp of horror

Indicates a sudden intake of breath due to shock or horror, less vocal.

wail of horror

Implies a prolonged, mournful cry, often associated with grief and horror.

moan of horror

Suggests a lower, more subdued expression of horror, often mixed with pain.

roar of horror

Suggests a loud, deep cry expressing extreme horror and rage.

murmur of horror

Indicates a quiet, subdued expression of horror, often shared among a group.

sob of horror

Expresses horror mixed with deep sorrow and weeping.

FAQs

How can I use "cry of horror" in a sentence?

You can use "cry of horror" to describe a vocal reaction to a terrifying event. For example: "A chilling "cry of horror" echoed through the abandoned house as the figure appeared."

What phrases are similar to "cry of horror"?

Similar phrases include "scream of terror", "shriek of horror", or "outcry of horror", each emphasizing different aspects of the emotional response.

Is it appropriate to use "cry of horror" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "cry of horror" is more common in descriptive or narrative writing. In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "expression of dismay" or "manifestation of fear" for a more subdued tone.

What's the difference between "cry of horror" and "cry of fear"?

"Cry of horror" specifically implies a reaction to something horrifying or shocking, while "cry of fear" is a more general expression of being scared. Horror involves revulsion and shock, whereas fear is a broader emotional response.