induce fear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "induce fear" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to describe something that causes fear or trepidation. For example, you might say, "Her threatening words induced fear in the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

It really doesn't harm anyone; it's just meant to induce fear".

The New York Times

For a bloke, it's a genre that's supposed to induce fear at the prospect of jokes about buying pants and discussion on how shit men are.

The Guardian - Film

The C.I.A. halted its use of waterboarding, or pouring water over a bound prisoner's cloth-covered face to induce fear of suffocation.

The New York Times

Usually intended to validate broad protocols with mandates to meet fixed goals, they induce fear of failure and rarely allow — much less encourage — experimentation.

The New York Times

Dr Sagioglou said eating bitter foods may be "compared to a rollercoaster ride where people enjoy things that induce fear".

Independent

Of the 252 people reviewed in the study, most recognised the spiders much quicker than other images known to induce fear, such as flies and needles.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Who uses their power of compassion and empathy to dispel fears, rather than induce fears and use them to divide us?

Huffington Post

However, a few other studies have attempted to induce fears in children of other situations via threat information.

Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review

Conceivably, concerns to be ill induce fears of social failure and take away cognitive capacities such that hypochondriacal persons cannot focus on two additional features such as positivity and familiarity of objects.

BMC Psychiatry

A fearful face signals to the viewer the presence of a threat, thus inducing fear, although the exact mechanisms remain to be determined.

Brain Topography

Still, it's easy to understand why the thought of salary negotiation induces fear.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "induce fear", consider the context and the specific type of fear being evoked. Choose synonyms like "instill", "arouse", or "generate" to convey subtle differences in meaning and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "induce fear" gratuitously in sensationalized or exaggerated contexts. Overusing it can diminish its impact and credibility, especially when discussing sensitive topics.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "induce fear" functions as a verb phrase where "induce" is a transitive verb requiring a direct object, and "fear" acts as that object. It signifies the action of causing or bringing about the emotion of fear. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

42%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "induce fear" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that describes the act of causing fear. As Ludwig AI states, it's suitable for use in various contexts. Predominantly found in news and scientific sources, the phrase maintains a neutral register and serves the communicative purpose of analyzing the effects of actions and situations. While several alternatives exist, such as "instill fear" and "arouse fear", it's important to select the most precise synonym to reflect the specific nuance of the intended meaning. The phrase is flagged as being best used when writers are considering the context and avoiding overuse in sensationalized situations. In conclusion, understanding these nuances enhances clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

instill fear

Emphasizes a gradual or deliberate process of planting fear in someone's mind.

arouse fear

Highlights the act of awakening or stirring up a pre-existing feeling of fear.

generate fear

Focuses on the creation or production of fear as a result.

provoke fear

Suggests a more direct and immediate causation of fear.

foster fear

Implies nurturing or encouraging the growth of fear.

create fear

A simple and direct way of saying to bring fear into existence.

spark fear

Suggests a sudden and intense burst of fear.

elicit fear

Emphasizes drawing out fear from someone or something.

trigger fear

Highlights the action of setting off a reaction of fear.

cause fear

A general term indicating that something is responsible for the feeling of fear.

FAQs

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

You can use "induce fear" to describe actions or situations that cause someone to feel afraid or apprehensive. For example, "The dictator's policies were designed to induce fear among the population."

What are some alternatives to "induce fear"?

Alternatives include "instill fear", "arouse fear", "generate fear", and "provoke fear". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "induce fear" or "cause fear"?

"Induce fear" and "cause fear" are similar, but "induce" suggests a more intentional or deliberate action to bring about fear. "Cause" is more general and might imply an unintended consequence.

What's the difference between "induce fear" and "incite fear"?

"Induce fear" means to cause someone to feel fear, while "incite fear" means to stir up or provoke fear, often in a group of people, leading to potential action or unrest.