indiscriminate terror

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "indiscriminate terror" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe acts of violence or fear that are applied without discrimination, affecting a wide range of people or targets. Example: "The city was gripped by indiscriminate terror as bombings occurred in crowded marketplaces."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

An escalating campaign of raids in homes and workplaces has spread indiscriminate terror among millions of people who pose no threat.

The New York Times

As head of Umkhonto we Sizwe, the armed wing of the ANC, he well knew the arguments to distinguish between indiscriminate terror and dramatic acts of sabotage to politicise the masses and terrify the oppressors.

Independent

In the most rebellious provinces, such as Tambov, the authorities employed indiscriminate terror against the rural population in order to isolate the partisans, resorting to executions of hostages and mass deportations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Johnson explains that the Gestapo performed its duties not through indiscriminate terror but by methodically singling out particular groups of victims and going after them with every pretense of legality.

The New York Times - Books

These men were eager to fight the Sunnis: many sought revenge for decades of Sunni-supported, brutal Saddam rule, and a chance to hit back at the violent insurgents and the indiscriminate terror of al-Qaida.

The Guardian

The Israeli ambassador has been leading a PR drive in Washington to cast Israel as the innocent victim of indiscriminate terror attacks, a claim strongly challenged by Palestinians who accuse Binyamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, of engineering the conflict as a political strategy in the run-up to January's general election.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

And it is shock and awe that has also rapidly come to epitomise, among opponents of the conflict, all the indiscriminate, terror-inducing destructiveness they perceive in the coalition military machine.

The Guardian

A strategy of indiscriminate bombing, terror and destruction, the UN was told, threatens to turn this part of Syria's second city into a giant graveyard.

The Guardian - Opinion

Indiscriminate violence, terror by governments against their own people, by opposition groups and between factions, has now become such an integral part of the political discourse of failed polities that it is taken for granted.

The Guardian

He makes a convincing case that any indiscriminate response to terror only fosters additional terror.

The New York Times - Books

During the Balkan Wars of 1912 13 (when the region of Macedonia was divided among Serbia, Greece, and Bulgaria) and World War I, which followed, IMRO's increasingly indiscriminate use of terror alienated both its Macedonian and its Bulgarian supporters.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "indiscriminate terror", ensure the context clearly establishes the lack of specific targeting and the widespread effect of fear on a population or group.

Common error

Avoid using "indiscriminate terror" when the acts of violence or intimidation are, in fact, targeted or limited to a specific group. Ensure the "terror" is genuinely widespread and affects a broad segment of the population.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "indiscriminate terror" functions as a noun phrase, where "indiscriminate" modifies "terror". It typically describes a state or action characterized by widespread fear and violence without specific targeting. Ludwig provides examples of its use in describing political repression and warfare.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

17%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "indiscriminate terror" is a phrase used to describe widespread violence and fear without a specific target. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and most commonly found in news and media contexts. While the phrase itself carries a negative connotation, it aims to objectively describe a situation and highlight its impact. While not exceedingly common, the phrase is understood and can be used effectively in both formal and informal settings, provided the context clearly supports its meaning. Alternative phrases, such as "random acts of violence" or "widespread panic", can be used to convey similar meanings with slightly different emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unselective brutality

Highlights the indiscriminate nature of cruel and violent acts.

random acts of violence

Focuses on the randomness and lack of specific target in violent acts.

widespread panic

Emphasizes the broad scope of fear and anxiety.

unrestrained violence

Highlights the lack of control or limits on violence.

mass intimidation

Emphasizes the use of fear on a large scale to control people.

blind rage

Indicates violence driven by uncontrolled anger.

generalized intimidation

Focuses on the creation of fear through threats and coercion affecting many people.

sweeping repression

Highlights the comprehensive suppression of rights and freedoms through fear.

general state of alarm

Describes a widespread condition of heightened fear and alert.

unfocused fearmongering

Emphasizes the propagation of fear without a clear target or reason.

FAQs

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

You can use "indiscriminate terror" to describe situations where acts of violence or intimidation are not targeted at specific individuals or groups, but rather are widespread and affect a large population. For example, "The regime used "indiscriminate terror" to suppress dissent".

What's a good substitute for "indiscriminate terror"?

Alternatives to "indiscriminate terror" include "widespread panic", "random acts of violence", or "unselective brutality", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "indiscriminate terror" a formal or informal phrase?

"Indiscriminate terror" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it's more commonly found in news reports, academic analyses, and formal discussions about violence and conflict. Its usage depends more on the subject matter than the setting.

What distinguishes "indiscriminate terror" from "targeted violence"?

"Indiscriminate terror" refers to acts of violence that are not selective and affect a broad range of people, whereas "targeted violence" is directed at specific individuals or groups for a particular purpose. The key difference is the scope and the intention behind the violence.