fear of speed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fear of speed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a phobia or anxiety related to fast movement or high speeds, often in the context of driving or riding in vehicles. Example: "Her fear of speed prevented her from enjoying roller coasters and fast cars."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Tachophobia- Fear of speed.

The New Yorker

"This ride is about overcoming a lot of primal fears, like fear of heights, fear of insects, fear of evil spirits and fear of speed," said Mark Woodbury, the senior vice president and chief creative officer of Universal Parks and Resorts.

The New York Times - Style

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Colin, son of the aforementioned poet and postman, was brought up on Bardsey and remembers the freedom he experienced as a child, growing up with no fear of speeding cars or strangers.

The Guardian - Travel

The Australians did not dare run when he fielded the ball for fear of the speed of his throw.

Wikipedia

Fear of murder The speed with which the legal and financial systems bring the perpetrators of large-scale fraud to book may be unhurried compared with the swift vengeance visited upon faltering small businesses, but unofficial forces can be more direct.

The Guardian - Opinion

Then, perhaps someday I will not have to wait minutes to cross a traffic circle, and I will be able to walk on sidewalks without fear of a car speeding out of an alley.

The New York Times

His mount accelerated, going wide around horses to the dismay of the fans who feared an early burst of speed might hamper the colt's stamina.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"They fear the speed of China's transition, and Tiananmen Square is their nightmare".

The New Yorker

Moreover, attention deficit was the only cognitive parameter significantly correlated with both gait speed, fear of falling, and self-reported gait disability.

BioMed Research International

Another study, conducted by Janssen et al confirmed that poor TUG test performance has been associated with poor muscle strength, poor balance, slow gait speed, fear of falling, physical inactivity, and impairments relating to basic and instrumental ADLs.

Clinical interventions in aging

But until now AOL has barely marketed the add-on high-speed service for fear of cannibalizing its profitable low-speed subscribers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's internal state, use "fear of speed" to clearly and directly convey their specific anxiety, enhancing the reader's understanding of their limitations or motivations.

Common error

Avoid using "fear of speed" loosely; it specifically refers to the anxiety associated with rapid motion, not general risk aversion or a dislike of recklessness. Being cautious on a bike is not necessarily related to a "fear of speed".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fear of speed" functions primarily as a noun phrase that describes a specific phobia or anxiety. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English. It identifies a particular type of fear related to moving quickly.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fear of speed" refers to a specific anxiety related to rapid motion, also known as tachophobia. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, though it is a relatively rare expression. Predominantly found in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts, it serves to directly describe a phobia or limitation. When writing, use it to clearly convey this specific anxiety, differentiating it from general risk aversion. Alternatives like "anxiety about velocity" or "dread of rapid motion" can also be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tachophobia

A formal, single-word term directly denoting the fear of speed.

anxiety about velocity

Focuses on the emotional distress associated with fast movement.

dread of rapid motion

Emphasizes the apprehension caused by quick movements.

aversion to high speeds

Highlights a dislike or reluctance towards fast paces.

apprehension about fast travel

Specifies the concern related to traveling at high speeds.

nervousness regarding swiftness

Emphasizes the uneasy feeling associated with quickness.

unease concerning accelerated pace

Highlights a lack of comfort with increasing speed.

discomfort with rapid acceleration

Focuses on the unpleasant sensation caused by speeding up.

fear of swift conveyance

Addresses the anxiety linked to being transported quickly.

phobia of fast-moving objects

A broader term that includes anxieties about various fast-moving entities, not just travel.

FAQs

What is another term for fear of speed?

Another term for fear of speed is "tachophobia", which is a formal, single-word term directly denoting the fear of speed.

How does fear of speed impact daily life?

Fear of speed can affect daily life by limiting activities such as driving, riding in cars, or even using escalators. It may also cause anxiety in situations involving rapid motion.

What causes fear of speed?

Fear of speed can stem from various factors, including traumatic experiences involving fast movement, a general anxiety disorder, or a learned response from observing others' fears.

How can fear of speed be overcome?

Fear of speed can be addressed through therapy techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or exposure therapy, which gradually desensitizes individuals to fast-moving situations. Professional guidance is recommended.