fed on fear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fed on fear" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is sustained or influenced by fear, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The children were fed on fear, believing that the dark held monsters waiting to pounce."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

He was greeted by large crowds as he touched down in Nairobi before a giving a speech in which he said conflict fed "on fear, mistrust, and the despair born of poverty and frustration".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

This is a movement that feeds on fear and resentment.

The New York Times

And the threat of terror feeds on fear".

The New Yorker

Terrorism, after all, feeds on fear, division and disenchantment.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Terrorism feeds on fear, and fear feeds on ignorance," said Abigail A. Salyers, president of the American Society of Microbiology.

The New York Times - Science

"But if the markets continued down on the basis of fear feeding on fear, that could push us into recession.

The New York Times

"Terrorism feeds on fear, and fear feeds on ignorance," she said in a statement to appear in the March issue of the group's magazine.

The New York Times

But the roots of stigma run deep in our society, and they feed on fear and ignorance.

The Guardian - Opinion

Vendors say that the traditional code of the streets may be effective, but that it feeds on fear, intimidation and the city's lack of enforcement of permit rules.

The New York Times - Food

I also think that people move to extremes of emotion where greed feeds on greed and fear feeds on fear.

Forbes

It feeds on fear, paranoia and bigotry.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fed on fear", ensure the subject is something that can logically or metaphorically consume fear as a source of sustenance or energy. For instance, conflicts, ideologies, or even fictional monsters can be described as "fed on fear".

Common error

Avoid using "fed on fear" to describe people directly experiencing fear. It's more appropriate to describe systems, ideas, or entities that benefit from or perpetuate fear, rather than individuals who are simply afraid.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fed on fear" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a past participle verb ("fed") followed by a prepositional phrase ("on fear"). It describes the means by which something is sustained or empowered, with fear serving as the metaphorical nourishment. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "fed on fear" is a grammatically correct and usable expression describing something sustained or empowered by fear. While categorized as "Uncommon" in frequency, Ludwig AI validates its presence across various sources, primarily within News & Media. It's used to critically convey how entities or systems derive power from fear, but care should be taken not to misattribute agency. Alternatives such as ""thrived on fear"" or ""was fueled by fear"" offer nuanced variations depending on the intended emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was fueled by fear

Focuses on fear as the energy source or driving force.

was sustained by fear

Highlights the continued existence or maintenance due to fear.

thrived on fear

Emphasizes a more vigorous growth or success fueled by fear.

depended on fear

Highlights the reliance on fear as a necessary condition.

prospered from fear

Suggests a gain or advantage obtained through fear.

preyed on fear

Conveys a predatory relationship where fear is the victim.

grew out of fear

Indicates that fear was the origin or starting point.

exploited fear

Highlights the manipulative use of fear for personal gain.

capitalized on fear

Implies taking advantage of fear in a strategic way.

lived off fear

Suggests a parasitic relationship, where fear is the primary source of sustenance.

FAQs

How can I use "fed on fear" in a sentence?

Use "fed on fear" to describe something that thrives or is sustained by fear, such as "The dictator's regime "fed on fear" of dissent to maintain control".

What are some alternatives to "fed on fear"?

Alternatives include phrases like "thrived on fear", "was fueled by fear", or "depended on fear", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say something "feeds off of fear" instead of "fed on fear"?

While "feeds off of fear" is understandable, ""fed on fear"" is generally considered more concise and stylistically preferable in formal writing.

What's the difference between "fed on fear" and "instilled fear"?

"Fed on fear" describes something that benefits from existing fear, while "instilled fear" describes the act of causing fear in others. They represent opposite sides of the same dynamic.