deep terror

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "deep terror" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a profound or intense feeling of fear or dread. Example: "As the storm approached, a deep terror settled in her heart, making her feel as if something terrible was about to happen."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Angelenos tend to have conflicted feelings about earthquakes: a combination of sang-froid and deep terror.

The New York Times

Nor do Lucy and her mother discuss her father's temper or the reason for her own deep terror of snakes.

The Guardian - Books

Sitting upright between two guards, Mr. Mladic, 70, looked more frail and aged than the burly soldier he once was, a power-strutting commander who inspired deep terror among Bosnian Muslims and Croats and great admiration in Serbia.

The New York Times

There are some conspiracy theories that the species survives to this day, which is not backed by science but was perpetuated by fictional novels such as Steve Alten's "Meg: A Novel of Deep Terror" and Discovery Channel's fictional-documentary in 2014.

Independent

Based on the book Meg: A Novel of Deep Terror by Steve Alten, this film is about a team of scientists that tussle with two Megalodons that, instead of being extinct for 2.6 million years, have been hiding in the depths of the world's oceans in the Marianas Trench.

Forbes

I can only imagine the deep terror of both mother and child isolated from each other.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

For now, Holmes's deepest terror is that he is succumbing to dementia.

The Guardian - Film

The fact that Ms Malik apparently made aposting on Facebook - since reportedly deleted - will add to suspicions and claims that a "deeper terror matrix" may lie behind the shooting attack.

Independent

According to Pitman, this finding indicates that long-dormant fears can reawaken and might explain why Kathleen's relatively minor dust-up with the bike messenger set off memories of her earlier, deeper terror after the carjacking and sexual assault.

The New York Times - Magazine

The sharks are scary, and the ocean is vast and indifferent, but the most effective parts of "Open Water," which is ultimately too modest to be very memorable, evoke a deeper terror, one that can chill even those viewers who would never dream of putting on a wet suit and jumping off a boat.

The New York Times

Jimeno Michael Peñaa), a rookie, is eager and a little anxious; his face registers his desire to prove himself on the job and also distinct shadings of fear — both the worry that he'll mess up and, as the hours go by, a much deeper terror.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "deep terror" to convey a profound and unsettling sense of fear that goes beyond simple fright. This phrase is particularly effective in narrative writing to create a strong emotional impact.

Common error

While "deep terror" is a valid phrase, reserve it for situations where the intensity of fear warrants such strong language. Using it in everyday situations can sound melodramatic or insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deep terror" functions primarily as a noun phrase where the adjective "deep" modifies the noun "terror", intensifying its meaning. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically sound and effectively communicates a profound sense of fear.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "deep terror" is a grammatically sound construction used to describe an intense and profound sense of fear. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is deemed correct and effective for conveying strong emotions. Its usage is more common in news and media, where it helps to emphasize the gravity of situations. When using "deep terror", consider the context to ensure the intensity of the phrase aligns with the situation being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

profound dread

Replaces "terror" with "dread", which carries a similar connotation of intense fear.

intense fear

Uses a more common and straightforward expression for a strong feeling of fear.

abject horror

Emphasizes the feeling of horror, suggesting a sense of utter helplessness and despair.

extreme anxiety

Shifts the focus to the psychological aspect of fear, highlighting worry and unease.

consuming dread

Indicates that the feeling of dread is overwhelming and all-encompassing.

overwhelming fear

Highlights the intensity and magnitude of the fear experienced.

bone-chilling fear

Evokes a physical sensation associated with extreme fear, suggesting a visceral reaction.

palpable dread

Suggests that the dread is so intense it can almost be felt physically.

unadulterated fear

Emphasizes the purity and intensity of the fear, suggesting it is unmixed with other emotions.

sheer terror

Highlights the intensity and pure nature of the terror experienced.

FAQs

How can I use "deep terror" in a sentence?

You can use "deep terror" to describe a profound feeling of fear. For example: "A "deep terror" washed over her as she realized she was completely alone".

What phrases are similar to "deep terror"?

Alternatives include "profound dread", "intense fear", or "abject horror", each carrying slightly different nuances of fear and despair.

Is "deep terror" a common phrase in everyday conversation?

"Deep terror" is more frequently found in literature, news articles, or formal speech to express a significant level of fear, rather than in everyday casual conversation.

What distinguishes "deep terror" from ordinary fear?

"Deep terror" implies a more profound and unsettling sense of fear compared to regular fear. It suggests a feeling that grips one's soul, causing intense distress and anxiety.