fear of humiliation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fear of humiliation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing feelings of anxiety or apprehension about being embarrassed or shamed in front of others. Example: "Her fear of humiliation prevented her from speaking up during the meeting, even though she had valuable insights to share."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

He lived in daily fear of humiliation.

The New Yorker

But because of the fear of humiliation, I have never given in to my panic.

The New York Times

He lived in daily fear of humiliation, and in its (often imagined) presence his temper tipped over in an instant.

The New Yorker

My fear of humiliation was just about overshadowed by my desire for "closure" (I'd watched a lot of American television).

The Guardian - Opinion

Even open societies, sailing, so to speak, on the open seas of history, are not immune to the appeal to honor and the fear of humiliation.

The New Yorker

Symptoms may include a fear of strangers, a fear of humiliation or of being judged by others, and an avoidance of social situations where attention centres on the individual.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

The single most astounding thing about its needless beginning is how much it was accelerated by the irrational fear of national humiliation.

The New Yorker

She had no "legitimate fear of shame, humiliation, or embarrassment" because photos from her Instagram account were "sexual in n ature".

The Guardian

He's the embodiment of the late 20th-century United Kingdom man who wants to be a pop star but vibrates with the deep-seated British fear of public humiliation.

The New York Times

While Hillary Clinton's inner life remains largely mysterious, information about Trump's insecurities leaks from his every public statement – even before the New York Times obtained tapes of interviews with a biographer in which Trump's morbid fear of public humiliation was made plain.

The Guardian

This connection can be quite direct, as when empirical studies show that existing forms of participation are highly correlated with high status and income, that lower income and status citizens were often unwilling to participate in a public forum for fear of public humiliation (Verba, et al 1995, Mansbridge 1991, Kelly 2000).

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about psychological or social issues, use "fear of humiliation" to convey a deep-seated anxiety that significantly influences behavior and decision-making.

Common error

Avoid using "fear of humiliation" as a synonym for general shyness. "Fear of humiliation" suggests a specific, often intense, anxiety about being publicly shamed or ridiculed, whereas shyness is a broader disposition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fear of humiliation" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a specific type of anxiety related to potential public embarrassment or shame. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fear of humiliation" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a specific type of anxiety related to public embarrassment or shame. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness. It appears frequently in News & Media and Science, indicating its relevance across various domains. When using the phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the intensity and specific nature of the anxiety being described. Consider alternatives like "apprehension about embarrassment" or "anxiety over being shamed" to refine the nuance. Avoid using it as a simple synonym for shyness. In summary, "fear of humiliation" is a valuable phrase for discussing the psychological impact of potential public shame, as long as it is used with precision and awareness of its specific connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

apprehension about embarrassment

Focuses on the emotional anticipation of feeling embarrassed.

anxiety over being shamed

Highlights the worry and unease related to the act of being shamed.

dread of public shame

Emphasizes the intense fear and aversion towards being publicly shamed.

concern about losing face

Specifically relates to the cultural concept of losing social standing or respect.

sensitivity to ridicule

Highlights a heightened susceptibility to being mocked or made fun of.

vulnerability to disgrace

Implies a susceptibility to experiencing disgrace or dishonor.

unease regarding social exposure

Emphasizes the discomfort associated with being subjected to public scrutiny.

avoidance of situations causing embarrassment

Focuses on the behavioral aspect of actively avoiding situations that could lead to embarrassment.

shyness stemming from possible mortification

Links shyness directly to the potential for feeling deeply mortified.

hesitation due to fear of looking foolish

Highlights the reluctance to act because of the potential to appear silly or unintelligent.

FAQs

How can I use "fear of humiliation" in a sentence?

You can use "fear of humiliation" to explain someone's reluctance to speak in public or take risks. For instance, "His "fear of humiliation" kept him from pursuing his passion for stand-up comedy".

What are some alternative ways to express "fear of humiliation"?

Alternatives include phrases like "apprehension about embarrassment", "anxiety over being shamed", or "dread of public shame", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "fear of humiliation" in formal writing?

Yes, "fear of humiliation" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a clear and direct way to describe a specific type of anxiety, as evidenced by its use in reputable news sources and academic texts.

What's the difference between "fear of humiliation" and "social anxiety"?

"Fear of humiliation" is a component of social anxiety, but social anxiety encompasses a broader range of fears related to social interactions. Social anxiety might also involve "fear of rejection" or judgment, not just "fear of humiliation".