instill fear

USAGE SUMMARY

"instill fear" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to deliberately and gradually cause someone to feel afraid or intimidated. It can be used in various contexts, such as describing the actions of a dictator or a parent's disciplinary methods. Here is an example sentence: "The tyrannical leader used fear tactics to instill fear in the minds of his citizens, making it easier for him to maintain control over the country."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They will instill fear.

The New York Times

They use their positions to instill fear.

The Washington Post

"We don't instill fear in anyone anymore," Allan Houston acknowledged.

The New York Times - Sports

This morning's announcement will instill fear that Google is a combatant.

The New Yorker

The rising number of arrests has one aim: to instill fear.

The New York Times

"You can instill fear in any athlete hitting them in the mouth," he added.

The New York Times - Sports

"These days, you have to deal with those people and instill fear," Mr. Abdel-Aziz said.

The New York Times

In order to sell the toothpaste you will have to instill fear.

The New Yorker

Knowing that you have the risk gene could instill fear and negatively influence your life decisions.

Harvard University

Nuclear weapons instill fear but do not provide prosperity or security.

Yale University

He was stereotyped because the language used was designed to instill fear in people's hearts".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "instill fear", consider the specific type and intensity of fear you want to convey. Choose related words carefully to reflect the intended emotional impact. For example, "arouse dread" suggests a deeper, more persistent fear than "foster alarm".

Common error

Instead of saying "Fear was instilled", use the active voice for a more direct and impactful statement: "They instilled fear".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "instill fear" primarily functions as a verb phrase. It is used to describe the action of causing someone to feel fear, often intentionally and gradually. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "instill fear" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that describes the action of deliberately causing someone to experience fear. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage across a spectrum of contexts. It appears most often in News & Media and Academic sources, indicating its relevance in both reporting and analyzing events involving fear. When using this phrase, consider the subtle differences between it and related phrases like "inspire terror" or "arouse dread" to accurately convey the intended meaning and emotional impact. Avoid overuse of the passive voice for a more direct and impactful writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inspire terror

Focuses more on the intensity of the fear created, suggesting a more extreme level of dread.

provoke terror

Similar to inspire terror, but can also imply a more direct or immediate cause.

arouse dread

Emphasizes a deep sense of apprehension and foreboding.

create intimidation

Highlights the use of fear to control or manipulate someone.

foment anxiety

Suggests actively stirring up or promoting a feeling of unease.

plant apprehension

Emphasizes the subtle and gradual introduction of fear.

foster alarm

Focuses on creating a sense of immediate danger or threat.

generate panic

Focuses on creating a sudden and overwhelming sense of fear.

cultivate dread

Suggests a deliberate and ongoing effort to create a climate of fear.

breed trepidation

Implies a slow and natural development of fear over time.

FAQs

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

You can use "instill fear" to describe actions that cause someone to feel afraid. For example: "The dictator used propaganda to "instill fear" in the population."

What can I say instead of "instill fear"?

You can use alternatives like "inspire terror", "arouse dread", or "create intimidation" depending on the context.

Is it always negative to "instill fear"?

While "instill fear" often carries a negative connotation, it can sometimes be used in a neutral or even positive context, such as "instilling respect" for authority through fear of consequences.

What's the difference between "instill fear" and "cause fear"?

"Instill fear" suggests a gradual or deliberate process of creating fear, while "cause fear" is more general and can refer to any situation where fear arises, regardless of the method.