feed on fear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feed on fear" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe someone or something that thrives on or is sustained by fear. For example, "The dictator fed on fear and used his power to manipulate the masses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

These extremists feed on fear, hate and terror...

The New York Times

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

The Guardian - Opinion

Despite companies' sentiments that they prefer "loved," many corporate cultures still feed on fear.

Forbes

Bullies feed on fear and intimidation.

HuffPost

I weighed the risks without letting fear feed on fear.

Huffington Post

"Experience shows that violence, conflict and terrorism feed on fear, mistrust and the despair born of poverty and frustration.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Economic stagnation not only stokes anti-EU sentiment; it also boosts far-right parties in Europe, some of which, such as the Front National, have repackaged their foundational antisemitism, and now feed on fears of a continent overrun by Muslims.

The Guardian

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feed on fear" to describe entities or systems that actively foster and benefit from widespread anxiety or terror. For example, political movements or media outlets can "feed on fear" to gain support or viewership.

Common error

Avoid using "feed on fear" casually. It carries a strong negative connotation of deliberate manipulation, so ensure the subject genuinely benefits from or encourages fear before applying this phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feed on fear" functions primarily as a verb phrase, often used figuratively to describe how something or someone gains power or influence by exploiting or exacerbating feelings of fear. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Huffington Post

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wikipedia

6.66%

Science

6.66%

Academia

6.66%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feed on fear" is a powerful expression used to describe the act of exploiting or benefiting from people's anxieties and terrors. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. Analysis reveals that it's most commonly found in news and media, often employed to critique manipulative tactics. While the phrase itself maintains a neutral tone, it carries a strong negative connotation, implying a deliberate and often unscrupulous use of fear. Alternatives like "thrive on fear" or "capitalize on fear" can offer nuanced variations, but the core meaning remains consistent: leveraging fear for personal or organizational gain. When writing, use this phrase judiciously, ensuring the context accurately reflects the intentional exploitation of fear.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thrive on fear

Replaces "feed" with "thrive", emphasizing growth and prosperity as a result of fear.

flourish on fear

Similar to "thrive", but with a slightly stronger emphasis on outward success.

capitalize on fear

Focuses on taking advantage of fear for personal gain or benefit.

exploit fear

Highlights the act of using fear unscrupulously for one's own advantage.

prey on fear

Suggests a predatory relationship where fear is the target.

profit from fear

Highlights the financial or material gain resulting from fear.

gain from fear

Emphasizes the benefit or advantage derived from fear.

depend on fear

Indicates a reliance on fear for support or sustenance.

build on fear

Suggests constructing something, such as power or influence, upon a foundation of fear.

draw strength from fear

Focuses on gaining power or resilience from the presence of fear.

FAQs

How can you use "feed on fear" in a sentence?

You can use "feed on fear" to describe entities that thrive by exploiting public anxieties. For example, "The propaganda machine "feeds on fear" to control the population".

What does it mean to say someone or something "feeds on fear"?

To say someone or something "feeds on fear" means they exploit and benefit from the anxieties and terrors of others. They might amplify these emotions for their gain.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "feed on fear"?

Alternatives include "thrive on fear", "capitalize on fear", or "exploit fear", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to use the phrase "feed on fear"?

Yes, the phrase "feed on fear" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English writing. It follows standard verb and preposition usage.