incite fear

USAGE SUMMARY

"incite fear" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe an action that is meant to produce fear in someone. For example: "The dictator's words were designed to incite fear in the population."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

An act that he imagined would incite fear and recrimination; violence and suspicion.

The Guardian

Narcotics incite fear: doctors fear addicting patients, and law enforcement officials fear drug crime.

The New York Times - Health

Many people propagate these arguments to push political agendas that incite fear and hatred.

The Guardian - Opinion

The war drums are beating to incite fear of a non-existent Iranian missile carrying a non-existent nuclear bomb.

The Guardian - Opinion

The rule inside the Convention was: Incite fear and division in order to call for safety and union.

The New Yorker

The idea is that the device will not only cause physical harm but also incite fear, which will lead to chaos and more fear.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

A violent crackdown by the government in Libya continues to incite fears of higher oil prices, which have been pushing stocks lower around the world.

The New York Times

Symonds hoped that this new model of "comradeship, the enthusiasm which binds man to man in fervent love" would serve the purpose of "[eliminating the classical associations of corruption". However, he underestimated that class difference, too, would incite fears of corruption.

English Studies

They've incited fear in people, and we're paying the price".

The New York Times

The decision incited fear among regulators, and even caused several agencies to re-examine their Dodd-Frank rules.

The New York Times

Americans need assurance that the economy will rebound, yet this column simply incited fear by suggesting that homeowners who purchase foreclosed properties could lose their homes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "incite fear", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is inciting the fear, and who or what is experiencing it. Avoid vague constructions that might obscure the subject or object of the action.

Common error

Be mindful of overusing the phrase "incite fear" in highly emotional or politically charged contexts, as it can be perceived as inflammatory or manipulative. Opt for more nuanced language to describe the generation of fear when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "incite fear" is a verb phrase acting as a predicate in a sentence. It describes an action (incite) and its direct object (fear), indicating the act of causing or provoking fear. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is a grammatically sound expression in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "incite fear" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to describe the act of causing fear. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and usable expression in English. Predominantly found in news and media, it also appears in scientific and wiki contexts. When employing this phrase, be clear about who is inciting and who is experiencing the fear to avoid ambiguity. While versatile, be aware of potential over-use in emotionally charged settings. Alternatives like "provoke fear" or "generate fear" can offer nuanced alternatives. Considering the implications, aim for balanced and contextually appropriate usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

instill fear

Focuses on implanting fear gradually, suggesting a more subtle approach.

provoke fear

Highlights the act of triggering a pre-existing sense of fear.

generate fear

Emphasizes creation of fear where it might not have existed before.

stir up fear

Suggests agitating or intensifying an existing but dormant fear.

foment fear

Implies actively promoting or encouraging fear.

arouse fear

Similar to provoke, but suggests awakening a latent feeling of fear.

spark fear

Indicates a sudden and immediate beginning of fear.

trigger fear

Focuses on activating a specific fear response.

create panic

Shifts the focus to a more intense and immediate form of fear.

spread alarm

Highlights the widespread dissemination of fear or apprehension.

FAQs

How can I use "incite fear" in a sentence?

You can use "incite fear" to describe actions intended to cause fear. For example, "The propaganda was designed to "incite fear" among the population."

What are some alternatives to "incite fear"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "provoke fear", "stir up fear", or "generate fear".

Is "incite fear" a formal or informal expression?

"Incite fear" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, the formality of the overall writing should guide your choice. In highly formal settings, consider alternatives like "arouse fear" for a more nuanced tone.

What is the difference between "incite fear" and "exacerbate fear"?

"Incite fear" means to initiate or cause fear, while "exacerbate fear" means to worsen or intensify an existing fear. The former creates fear; the latter amplifies it.