overcome with dread

USAGE SUMMARY

"overcome with dread" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling of intense fear or anxiety that has taken over someone. Example: As she gazed out at the dark, stormy sea, she suddenly felt overcome with dread. The looming dark clouds and crashing waves filled her with a sense of foreboding.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Ms. Meza was overcome with dread.

The New York Times

Opening the pages, I was overcome with dread.

The New York Times

A man in his 40s willingly relinquishes his place for an elderly woman and I am overcome with dread.

Vice

A man in his forties willingly relinquishes his place for an elderly woman and I am overcome with dread.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Though often overcome with fear, dread and nausea, Mr Geithner seems to thrive in the cauldron of crisis.

The Economist

No matter who you support, there's a decent chance that at some point, on some November evening while you were drinking through to the Spanish football, overcome with anxiety, dread and flu, drastically redrafting your team's goals for the season ahead, you may have had the sense that everything was utterly, irreparably fucked.

Vice

Now, I'm afraid I'm going to go back to the way I was before: often overcome with feelings of terror and dread as I dealt with my I.B.S.

The New York Times - Science

Frank is overcome with admiration.

The New Yorker

Evil overcome with trickery.

The New York Times - Arts

"Of course," I say, overcome with emotion.

Independent

He's obviously overcome with emotion.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "overcome with dread" to describe a strong, pervasive feeling of fear or anxiety, often in anticipation of a negative event or situation. Ensure the context supports this intensity of emotion.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "overcome with dread" is a strong phrase. Using it for minor inconveniences can dilute its impact. Choose milder language for everyday anxieties.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "overcome with dread" functions as a descriptive phrase, specifically an adjective phrase, that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating that the subject is experiencing a strong feeling of fear and anxiety. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "overcome with dread" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase to describe a strong feeling of fear or anxiety. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and while it appears more frequently in News & Media sources, you can use it in various contexts where describing intense fear is appropriate. Be mindful of overuse in casual contexts. Consider using alternatives like "filled with foreboding" or "gripped by fear" to achieve the desired impact. Remember that "overcome with dread" conveys a sense of being overwhelmed by fear, so use it when that level of intensity is intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

filled with foreboding

Highlights a sense of impending doom or misfortune.

filled with terror

Focuses on intense fear, possibly more immediate and acute than "dread".

gripped by fear

Emphasizes the seizing or holding effect of fear on someone.

consumed by anxiety

Highlights the overwhelming nature of anxiety, potentially more prolonged than "dread".

seized with apprehension

Indicates a sudden feeling of worry about something that might happen.

stricken with panic

Emphasizes sudden and overwhelming fear, often accompanied by physical symptoms.

paralyzed by fear

Stresses the immobilizing effect of extreme fear.

beset by worry

Focuses on being troubled or persistently attacked by anxious thoughts.

in the throes of terror

Suggests a state of intense and agonizing fear.

overwhelmed by unease

A milder expression, indicating a lack of comfort or security.

FAQs

How can I use "overcome with dread" in a sentence?

The phrase "overcome with dread" describes a powerful feeling of fear or anxiety. For example, "As the deadline approached, he was overcome with dread.".

What are some alternatives to "overcome with dread"?

Depending on the specific nuance you want to convey, you can use alternatives like "filled with foreboding", "gripped by fear", or "consumed by anxiety".

Is it correct to say "overcome by dread" instead of "overcome with dread"?

While "overcome by dread" isn't incorrect, "overcome with dread" is the more common and idiomatic expression. "Overcome with" typically implies a more intense and immersive experience of the emotion.

What's the difference between "overcome with dread" and "filled with dread"?

"Overcome with dread" suggests that the feeling is overpowering and consuming, while "filled with dread" simply indicates a strong presence of fear. The former implies a greater degree of emotional incapacitation.