instill panic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "instill panic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the act of causing someone to feel a strong sense of fear or anxiety. Example: "The sudden announcement of layoffs was enough to instill panic among the employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Its goal is to make an offense waste extra blockers unnecessarily and instill panic in a quarterback who's now thinking blitz but is  actually throwing against a seven-defender coverage.

The New York Times

To instill panic in the player, the character was initially placed in the center of the game's action, and had to deal with projectiles coming from multiple directions, as opposed previous shooting games such as Space Invaders and Galaxian, where the enemies attacked from a single direction.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

He convinced Confederate President Jefferson Davis of a plan to instill mass panic in the Northern states, by means of freeing prisoners and causing arson in larger Northern cities.

Wikipedia

To instill terror into kuffar.

The Guardian

"The objective of these attacks was to instill fear and panic in our country," Mr Harper told MPs. "Canadians will not be intimidated.

Independent

"The objective of these attacks was to instill fear and panic in our country," Harper said.

Los Angeles Times

The panic they instill not only in students but also in the school districts is not conducive to children's education or to curriculum improvements.

The New York Times

For younger galleries, the notion that entry to Frieze New York can make or break them instills a kind of panic.

Huffington Post

Allgame's reviewer was satisfied with the game's graphics but criticized how its bosses were designed, elaborating that "the Sinistars ... simply don't instill the same sense of sheer panic [as in the previous game]." Vincent Lopez from IGN noted the game's similarity to its predecessor and complimented its graphics and the addition of a wide variety of weapons as well as other technical features.

Wikipedia

But to avoid provoking a panic, some are giving the performances of their lives, striving to instill confidence not only among skittish stock-market investors but also among the suppliers who keep them alive by shipping them merchandise on faith.

The New York Times

A focus of Fellows was to instill the principle that clinical research centers should be audit ready at all times, instead of reacting with panic once a regulatory visit is announced.

BMC Health Services Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "instill panic" when you want to emphasize the deliberate action of causing a strong feeling of fear, especially in a controlled or strategic way. For example, in describing a military strategy or a marketing campaign.

Common error

Avoid using "instill panic" in casual conversation or informal writing. The phrase has a somewhat formal and strategic connotation, making it sound unnatural in everyday situations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "cause fear" or "create anxiety" in those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "instill panic" functions as a verb phrase where "instill" (verb) acts upon "panic" (noun). According to Ludwig, this phrase is used to describe the action of deliberately causing a feeling of intense fear or anxiety in someone. The examples show that it's often used in contexts where someone is trying to manipulate emotions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "instill panic" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that describes the act of deliberately causing a strong feeling of fear or anxiety. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Although found in various sources, it is not particularly common, suggesting that alternative expressions might be preferred in many contexts. Its usage is primarily found in News & Media and Wiki contexts. When using "instill panic", consider the deliberate and strategic connotation of the verb "instill" and whether it fits the intended meaning. If a more general expression of causing fear is sufficient, alternatives like "create fear" or "cause anxiety" might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

create fear

A more direct and simple way of expressing the same idea.

provoke anxiety

Highlights the psychological effect of causing worry and nervousness.

spark terror

Replaces "panic" with "terror", emphasizing a more extreme form of fear.

infuse with terror

Similar to instill, but uses "infuse" and "terror" for a stronger effect.

generate alarm

Focuses on creating a sense of immediate concern and potential danger.

incite dread

Suggests a deeper, more profound sense of fear and foreboding.

foment apprehension

Uses more formal language to suggest creating a sense of unease and worry.

trigger hysteria

Implies causing widespread, uncontrollable fear and emotional outbursts.

plant seeds of fear

Emphasizes a subtle and gradual introduction of fear.

arouse consternation

Focuses on creating feelings of confusion and worry.

FAQs

How can "instill panic" be used in a sentence?

You can use "instill panic" to describe actions that cause widespread fear or anxiety. For example: "The government's announcement was intended to "instill panic" among the enemy soldiers."

What are some alternatives to "instill panic"?

Alternatives to "instill panic" include phrases like "create fear", "provoke anxiety", or "generate alarm". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "instill panic" formal or informal?

"Instill panic" is generally considered more formal. Simpler phrases like "cause panic" are suitable for informal contexts. The context should guide your choice.

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

"Instill panic" implies a more deliberate and strategic action of creating fear, while "cause panic" is a more general term that simply describes the result. For example, a planned disinformation campaign might "instill panic", while a sudden earthquake might just "cause panic".