inflict fear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "inflict fear" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that causes fear in another person or group. For example, "The bullying behavior of the older children inflicted fear on the younger ones."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

The researchers described the idea that false stories inflict fear or surprise while true stories demonstrated anticipation and trust.

Cornell University

I remember Frank Field being commissioned by Labour to "think the unthinkable" about welfare and disability and thought then that the Labour government was crass to inflict fear and uncertainty on vulnerable people.

The Guardian

But they find it difficult to be inspired by leaders who only inflict fear.

Forbes

These bullies inflict fear and throw people off guard to ensure environments where they have complete control.

Forbes

These are the most common tools that terrorists use to inflict fear and destruction on an unwitting public.

Los Angeles Times

To force these communities to relocate, the group planned to inflict fear and destroy homes and property until the victims left the region.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

It's inflicting fear in other students.

The Guardian

More important, it has inflicted fear, misery and death on its intended beneficiaries.

The Economist

We must move away from the self inflicted fear of nuclear energy.

The Guardian

Above all, they ruled by inflicting fear and, thanks to the endless bravery of their opponents, they ended up fearing rebellion, watching with real anxiety as their opposite numbers in eastern Europe were ousted and sometimes killed by those they had oppressed.

The Guardian

It inflicts fear on the whole community.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "inflict fear", ensure that the subject clearly causes the fear in the object. The phrase often carries a negative connotation, suggesting intentional or malicious instigation of fear.

Common error

Avoid using "inflict fear" when the source of fear is ambiguous or internal to the subject. "Inflict" implies an external force actively causing the fear, not an internal feeling or apprehension.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inflict fear" functions as a verb phrase, where "inflict" is a transitive verb requiring a direct object (fear). According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and describes the action of causing someone to experience fear. It typically implies a deliberate or forceful imposition of fear.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "inflict fear" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that describes the act of causing fear in others. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's usable in written English and typically carries a negative connotation, suggesting a deliberate or forceful imposition of fear. Usage is common in News & Media, Wiki and Academia. To avoid misattribution, be sure to make the source causing the fear explicit. Semantically related phrases include "instill fear" and "cause terror". When writing, it is important to be precise about who or what is doing the inflicting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

instill fear

Replaces "inflict" with "instill", focusing on the action of putting fear into someone.

cause terror

Substitutes "fear" with the more intense "terror" and "inflict" with "cause", indicating a higher degree of fear.

generate fear

Uses "generate" instead of "inflict", highlighting the creation of fear.

spread fear

Focuses on the dissemination of fear, rather than the direct act of inflicting it.

arouse fear

Emphasizes the awakening or stirring up of fear.

provoke fear

Highlights the act of inciting fear as a reaction.

create a climate of fear

Shifts the focus to the environment or atmosphere of fear being produced.

frighten

A more direct and simple verb expressing the action of causing fear.

intimidate

Focuses on using fear to control or influence someone.

terrorize

Implies a sustained and intense campaign of fear.

FAQs

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

You can use "inflict fear" to describe actions that cause others to be afraid. For example, "The dictator's policies were designed to "instill fear" in the population".

What are some alternatives to "inflict fear"?

Alternatives include "cause terror", "instill fear", or "generate fear", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to say "inflict fear"?

Yes, "inflict fear" typically carries a negative connotation, as it suggests a deliberate act of causing fear, often for control or manipulation. However, fear can be "arouse fear" in dangerous situations for protection.

What's the difference between "inflict fear" and "spread fear"?

"Inflict fear" implies a direct action that causes fear in someone, while "spread fear" suggests the dissemination of fear across a wider group or area. One is the action and the other its consequences.