feeds on fear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feeds on fear" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that thrives or gains strength from fear, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The villain in the story feeds on fear, using it to manipulate and control his victims."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 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

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

"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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

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

The New York Times

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

The Guardian - Opinion

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

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

Forbes

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "feeds on fear", consider the nuance you wish to convey. Do you want to emphasize exploitation, growth, or mere sustenance? Choose synonyms like "thrives on", "exploits", or "is fueled by" to fine-tune your message.

Common error

Avoid attributing agency incorrectly. "Feeds on fear" implies that something actively benefits from fear. Ensure that the subject of your sentence is capable of such action, whether literally or metaphorically.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feeds on fear" functions primarily as a metaphorical expression. It describes a phenomenon, entity, or concept that derives sustenance or strength from the emotion of fear. Ludwig examples illustrate its usage in describing political movements, terrorism, and media influence.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

10%

Huffington Post

10%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Forbes

4%

The Guardian

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feeds on fear" is a metaphorical expression used to describe something that thrives or gains strength from the emotion of fear. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, where it's used to critique entities like political movements or media outlets that exploit public anxieties. While alternatives like ""thrives on fear"" or ""exploits fear"" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using "feeds on fear", ensure that the subject is capable of actively benefiting from fear, whether literally or metaphorically.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thrives on fear

This alternative replaces "feeds" with "thrives", emphasizing growth and prosperity due to fear.

is fueled by fear

This alternative describes fear as the source of energy or power.

grows stronger from fear

A more literal alternative that clarifies the mechanism of gaining strength from fear.

capitalizes on fear

This suggests that something is taking advantage of fear for its own benefit.

is sustained by fear

This highlights the idea that fear provides ongoing support or maintenance.

draws strength from fear

This suggests an extraction of power from the feeling of fear.

exploits fear

This alternative implies a more negative connotation, suggesting unethical use of fear.

benefits from fear

This alternative indicates a positive outcome for something as a result of fear.

preys on fear

This paints a predatory picture, where something actively seeks out and consumes fear.

cultivates fear

This alternative suggests an active growing and nurturing of fear, usually for manipulative purposes.

FAQs

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

You can use "feeds on fear" to describe entities or systems that thrive or gain power from public anxieties. For example, "The politician's rhetoric "feeds on fear" of immigration to gain support".

What are some alternatives to "feeds on fear"?

Alternatives include "thrives on fear", "exploits fear", or "capitalizes on fear", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say something "feeds off fear"?

While "feeds off fear" isn't incorrect, ""feeds on fear"" is more common and generally preferred in formal writing. The former is more colloquial.

What is the difference between ""feeds on fear"" and "preys on fear"?

"Feeds on fear" suggests a general sustenance or benefit derived from fear. "Preys on fear" implies a more active, predatory behavior where something actively seeks out and exploits fear in a harmful way.