fear of persecution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fear of persecution" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to the feeling of being in danger or facing harm due to one's beliefs, race, or political views. Example: The refugee fled their home country out of fear of persecution for their religious beliefs.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"We believe that those who fail to establish a genuine fear of persecution should return home.

Independent

"It is further evidence that he [Snowden] has a well-founded fear of persecution.

The Guardian

She does indeed have a "well-founded fear of persecution" if she returns.

The New Yorker

They have a "well-founded fear of persecution" and are legally owed protection.

The Guardian

I don't think persecution or the fear of persecution can account for this.

The Guardian - Opinion

(The C.B.P. stated that Yadira "did not claim fear of persecution").

The New Yorker

"We represent people we think have a credible fear of persecution," Axford said.

The New Yorker

She added: "We believe that those who fail to establish a genuine fear of persecution should return home voluntarily.

Independent

I also spoke to soldiers who are still serving and cannot be named for fear of persecution by the military.

Independent

Not all the Iranians can document a case for refugee status, like a well-substantiated fear of persecution.

The New York Times

Then as now, a major war and fear of persecution confronted an entire region with unprecedented flows of migration.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To convey the intensity of the feeling, precede "fear of persecution" with adjectives like "genuine", "well-founded", or "credible".

Common error

Avoid using "fear of persecution" loosely in contexts where general anxiety or discomfort is meant. This phrase is specifically tied to legal definitions of asylum and refugee status; using it inaccurately can diminish its significance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fear of persecution" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies a specific type of apprehension, particularly within legal and political contexts, as seen in the Ludwig examples, especially those concerning asylum seekers.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fear of persecution" is a well-established term, particularly within legal and political discourse, used to describe a justified apprehension of harm based on factors like race, religion, or political beliefs. As indicated by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. Its primary function is to articulate the reasons behind seeking asylum or refuge, often appearing in neutral to formal registers across news, scientific and encyclopedic sources. While alternatives exist, such as "apprehension of persecution" or "risk of persecution", it's crucial to recognize the specific legal weight the phrase "fear of persecution" carries in contexts related to international law and refugee status.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

apprehension of persecution

Replaces "fear" with "apprehension", emphasizing a more intellectual or reasoned concern.

dread of persecution

Uses "dread" to heighten the intensity of the fear, suggesting a more profound emotional response.

anxiety about persecution

Substitutes "fear" with "anxiety", highlighting the psychological distress associated with potential persecution.

risk of persecution

Shifts the focus to the potential for persecution to occur, rather than the emotional state.

threat of persecution

Emphasizes the external source of the fear, highlighting the impending danger.

possibility of persecution

Focuses on the chance of persecution occurring, framing it as a potential future event.

danger of persecution

Highlights the perilous nature of the situation, suggesting a significant level of risk.

vulnerability to persecution

Emphasizes the lack of protection and susceptibility to harm.

exposure to persecution

Focuses on the condition of being open to and affected by persecution.

persecution concerns

A more concise way to refer to the issues or worries related to persecution.

FAQs

What is the legal significance of "fear of persecution"?

In international law, a "fear of persecution" is a key criterion for granting asylum or refugee status. It means an individual has a well-founded belief that they will face harm in their home country due to their race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "fear of persecution"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "apprehension of persecution", "dread of persecution", or "risk of persecution". However, be mindful that these alternatives may not carry the same legal weight.

How does a "fear of persecution" differ from a general fear?

A general fear might be related to personal anxieties or phobias. A "fear of persecution", however, stems from a legitimate and well-founded belief that one will be targeted and harmed by authorities or other groups in their country of origin due to specific characteristics or beliefs.

What factors are considered when assessing a claim of "fear of persecution"?

Immigration officials typically assess the credibility of the claimant, the political and social conditions in their country of origin, any past experiences of persecution, and any evidence supporting their claim. They must demonstrate a "well-founded fear" based on objective evidence.