generate terror

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "generate terror" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing the creation or instigation of fear, anxiety, or dread, often in a dramatic or literary sense. Example: "The horror movie aimed to generate terror in its audience through suspenseful music and unexpected plot twists."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

But they still generate terror.

The Economist

Rather, they are the ones who generate terror.

The Washington Post

In response, defenders say that a range of tactics have been deployed to intimidate and divide communities, weaken opposition, and generate terror.

The Guardian

Those risks with low probability (because of the high competencies or resources needed to plan and execute an attack, historical trends, or incidents that go beyond our imagination) and high impact (because they generate terror, casualties, or dangers) are what we call "wild cards".

European Journal of Futures Research

Moreno gave harsh new instructions for it: monitor the activities of the rich; kill Goyeneche, Nieto, Paula Sanz and the bishop on sight; and allow soldiers to pillage the enemies at the first patriot victory, to generate terror.

Wikipedia

"[Los Zetas] generate terror through the news media and social networks with the decapitations, dismemberment, hanging people from bridges, the narco-banners... all of it is a strategy that for them generates a brand.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"You don't know who's talking, and it generates terror". In these scams, the extortionist actually has little or no real information about the target and could easily be calling from hundreds of miles away.

Los Angeles Times

The Dear Leader understands, as smart tyrants do, that perpetual clapping is generated by terror.

The New York Times - Magazine

The main problem is that this time around the Poet spends most of the book away from the action, and seldom generates the terror he did on his first outing.

The Guardian - Books

Generating pure terror on screen isn't always easy in our current age of cinematic overkill, but the 1988 Dutch thriller "The Vanishing" (Westside Pavilion) succeeds the old-fashioned way: by hooking us on characters and undercurrents, seducing us into a clean, logical nightmare, then, after making each twist plausible, opening an abyss under our feet.

Los Angeles Times

Studies have suggested that signs of spontaneously generated night terrors and nightmares may be related to abrupt awakening from deep sleep that experimentally appears dreamless.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "generate terror" when describing actions or strategies intended to create widespread fear and intimidation, often for political or social influence.

Common error

Avoid using "generate terror" in contexts where the situation involves only mild fear or anxiety; reserve it for scenarios with significant impact and widespread dread.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "generate terror" functions as a verb phrase, where "generate" acts as a transitive verb and "terror" serves as its direct object. This indicates an action that produces or causes a state of intense fear. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "generate terror" is a grammatically sound and contextually rich expression used to describe the act of creating intense fear, often for manipulative purposes. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and provides examples across various domains, predominantly in news and media, science, and wiki contexts. While not exceptionally common, it is a powerful phrase when used accurately to convey the intentional creation of a state of terror. As with any strong expression, mindful application is key to ensure its impact aligns with the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

instill fear

Focuses on implanting fear in someone, rather than the broader sense of creating terror.

provoke fear

Highlights the act of causing fear as a reaction.

spark terror

Highlights the sudden onset of terror.

ignite terror

Suggests a forceful and rapid outbreak of terror.

spread panic

Emphasizes widespread fear and chaos.

breed fear

Implies that fear grows and multiplies.

create alarm

Suggests generating a sense of worry or concern.

stir up fear

Focuses on agitating or provoking pre-existing fear.

foster intimidation

Focuses on creating a sense of being threatened or coerced.

wreak havoc

Emphasizes the destructive consequences of actions.

FAQs

How can I use "generate terror" in a sentence?

You can use "generate terror" to describe actions or events that create widespread fear and intimidation, such as "The dictator used propaganda to generate terror among the population".

What are some alternatives to "generate terror"?

You can use alternatives like "instill fear", "provoke fear", or "spread panic" depending on the specific context.

Which is more appropriate, "generate terror" or "create fear"?

"Generate terror" is typically used to describe a more intense and widespread sense of fear, often associated with violence or political intimidation, while "create fear" is a more general term.

What is the difference between "generate terror" and "inspire fear"?

"Generate terror" focuses on the deliberate creation of intense fear, while "inspire fear" can refer to a broader range of emotional responses, not necessarily intentional or widespread.