eliciting fear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "eliciting fear" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone or something is causing or provoking feelings of fear or anxiety. Example: "The horror movie was particularly effective at eliciting fear among its audience with its suspenseful music and unexpected jump scares."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

When the neutral stimulus (the rock or the sound of an airplane) later occurs, it automatically activates the amygdala like the original danger did, eliciting fear, and also triggers worry — anxiety.

The New York Times

Three emotional films validated by Schaefer et al. (2011) were used: eliciting fear, sadness, and neutral.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

"This paper moves the field forward by about a century, because it actually identifies the proteins that are responsible for eliciting fear in mice," says Leslie Vosshall, a neurobiologist at the Rockefeller University in New York City.

Science Magazine

More viscerally, his campaign and those of Republicans in the 2018 midterms took advantage of a tried and tested means of eliciting fear and anger: stoking the flames of xenophobia and racism.

Huffington Post

One possibility, then, is that the HWLs depicting personal suffering from smoking-related outcomes are effective at eliciting fear in current adult smokers.

BMJ Open

Although the type of stimulus eliciting fear may change over time due to developmental transformations, anxiety and fear are a chronic problem.

BMC Psychiatry

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Mr. Banlue does not elicit fear.

The New York Times

Since the scary holiday is a good excuse for television programmers to try to elicit fear, two ancestors of "Vampire Bats" are also being shown this week.

The New York Times

A proposed government tribunal to adjudicate complaints against the news media has elicited fear among journalists that it could be used to muzzle them.

The New York Times

Mr. Moore hijacked the title because he knows it elicits fear, and his right-wing radio critics liken him to Goebbels because of his willingness to manipulate facts to whip up an audience accordingly.

The New York Times

In seeking a mistrial, another defense lawyer, Edward S. Zas, argued that Mr. Jackson's hijacking example was "highly improper" and "elicited fear from the jurors" about what Mr. Valle might do in the future.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "eliciting fear" when you want to emphasize the act of causing fear as a direct and often intentional result of something. It's particularly effective when describing the impact of specific stimuli or events.

Common error

Avoid using "eliciting fear" in situations where the emotion is more accurately described as unease or concern. Save this phrase for scenarios where the fear is palpable and significant to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "eliciting fear" functions as a verbal phrase describing the action of causing or provoking fear in someone or something. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. As shown by the examples it acts as a verb with an object, describing the cause of the emotion.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "eliciting fear" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase, as affirmed by Ludwig AI, that describes the act of causing fear. It finds frequent application in contexts related to both science and news media. While other alternatives like "provoking fear" or "instilling fear" exist, it's crucial to select the term that precisely mirrors the intended meaning. Remember to reserve the expression for contexts where there is actual fear to have the most impact. Overall, understanding the nuances and applications of "eliciting fear" can enhance the precision and effectiveness of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provoking fear

Focuses on the act of stimulating or inciting fear, similar to eliciting but with a slightly more active connotation.

instilling fear

Implies a gradual and deliberate process of creating fear, suggesting a deeper implantation of fear.

arousing fear

Highlights the awakening or stirring up of fear, suggesting a previously dormant feeling.

inducing fear

Emphasizes the process of bringing about fear, often through specific actions or circumstances.

generating fear

Focuses on the creation or production of fear, suggesting a more systemic or widespread effect.

sparking fear

Highlights the sudden initiation of fear, often triggered by a specific event or piece of information.

triggering fear

Emphasizes a specific stimulus that activates a pre-existing fear response.

causing fear

A direct and simple way of expressing the act of making someone afraid.

awakening fear

Similar to arousing fear, but with a stronger emphasis on a long-dormant fear being brought to the surface.

inspiring fear

Implies a more profound or awe-filled sense of fear, often associated with respect or power.

FAQs

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

You can use "eliciting fear" to describe something that causes a feeling of fear. For example, "The horror movie was particularly effective at "eliciting fear" among its audience."

What are some alternatives to "eliciting fear"?

Alternatives include "provoking fear", "instilling fear", or "arousing fear", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "eliciting fear" or "inspiring fear"?

"Eliciting fear" generally refers to directly causing fear, while "inspiring fear" suggests a sense of awe or respect mixed with fear. The best choice depends on the specific context.

What kinds of stimuli are capable of "eliciting fear"?

Various stimuli can be capable of "eliciting fear", including visual cues, sounds, memories, or even abstract concepts that represent a threat.