engender fear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "engender fear" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a situation or event that causes fear or dread in a person or group of people. For example, "The ongoing conflict has begun to engender fear in the local residents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

In a press interview on April 14th he said it "should engender fear for the rest of the world".

The Economist

Though Mr. Redstone and Mr. Dauman tend to engender fear in opponents, it's hard not to get sentimental about their decades-long bromance.

The New York Times

"Unsuccessful terrorist attacks still engender fear in the broader public, which, after all, is one of their main objectives," prosecutors said in a court filing before sentencing.

The Guardian

By citing the financial sector of New York City, northern New Jersey and Washington, the announcement does nothing except unnecessarily engender fear among people in those areas.

The New York Times

As one of the few black faces in the congregation, I could never relate to this message, which fused the religious with the "racial" to engender fear.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Hate crimes, no matter their form, engender fear and have no place in our society," said Acting U.S. Attorney Benjamin G. Greenberg in a statement.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

It engenders fear, confusion, embarrassment, and is sometimes heartbreaking.

The New York Times

Pitch Pongsawat, a lecturer at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, said the country's "royal worship system" was engendering fear.

The New York Times

On issues away from the conference, Mr. Ahmadinejad denied that a crackdown on anti-government protestors had engendered fear or that it had pushed Iranians to flee the country.

The New York Times

Stalking is a pattern of repeated and persistent behaviour that is intrusive and engenders fear, when one person becomes fixated on or obsessed with another – when one human being is hunted by another.

The Guardian - Opinion

Many stem from the snakes' biological peculiarities: their ability to shed their skin is associated with immortality; their ever-open eyes represent omniscience; their propensity for sudden appearance and disappearance allies snakes with magic and ghosts; a phallic resemblance embodies procreative powers; and the ability to kill with a single bite engenders fear of any snakelike creature.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "engender fear", ensure that the context clearly identifies the source and the target of the fear. For example, "The dictator's policies engendered fear among the citizens."

Common error

Avoid using "engender" when a simpler verb like "cause" or "create" would be more appropriate. "Engender" implies a gradual or subtle process of bringing something into existence, so it's not always the best choice for directly and immediately causing fear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "engender fear" functions as a verb phrase where "engender" acts as a transitive verb taking "fear" as its direct object. It's used to describe the action of causing or bringing about a feeling of fear, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

36%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "engender fear" is a grammatically sound and usable verb phrase that describes the act of causing or producing fear. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides examples from various sources, including news media and scientific publications. While not exceptionally common, the phrase is suitable for neutral to slightly formal contexts. Alternatives such as "instill fear" or "arouse fear" can be used depending on the desired nuance. When using "engender fear", clarity is key – ensure that the source and target of the fear are clearly identified. This phrase offers a nuanced way to describe the gradual development of fear, distinguishing it from more direct or intentional acts of causing fear. Remember that great inequality engenders a great fear of sharing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

generate fear

Similar to "engender fear", this emphasizes the creation or production of fear.

instill fear

This alternative focuses on the act of implanting or introducing fear into someone.

arouse fear

This phrase emphasizes the act of awakening or stimulating fear.

provoke fear

This option highlights the action of prompting or triggering fear.

give rise to fear

This alternative highlights the act of producing or originating fear.

create apprehension

This shifts the focus slightly to the feeling of unease or anxiety.

breed fear

This suggests the propagation or cultivation of fear.

cause alarm

This phrase stresses the induction of a sense of danger or threat.

spark terror

This emphasizes a more intense and extreme form of fear.

foster anxiety

This focuses on nurturing or promoting a state of worry.

FAQs

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

Use "engender fear" to describe situations or actions that cause fear or dread. For example, "The spread of misinformation can "engender fear" among the public".

What are some alternatives to "engender fear"?

You can use alternatives such as "instill fear", "arouse fear", or "generate fear" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to use "engender fear" or "cause fear"?

"Engender fear" suggests a gradual development of fear, while "cause fear" implies a more direct and immediate effect. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "engender fear" and "create fear"?

While both phrases indicate the making of fear, "engender fear" often implies a more subtle or indirect process, whereas "create fear" can suggest a more deliberate or intentional act.