overcome with fear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "overcome with fear" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who is deeply affected or overwhelmed by fear. Example: The young girl was overcome with fear as she walked through the dark forest alone.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Micky was overcome with fear and guilt.

The New Yorker

But after three hours I was overcome with fear and concern.

The Washington Post

When the friends' unit is assigned to fight in Sudan, Harry is overcome with fear at the prospect of battle.

The New York Times

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

The Economist

In his confession, Mr. Jenoff told prosecutors that he confronted Mrs. Neulander in the driveway of her home with the intention of strangling her, but was overcome with fear.

The New York Times

And as the little paradise is overcome with fear and suspicion, Wes the sheriff and Wes the bishop are compelled to set aside denial and deal with some shocking truths.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

After 23 years of stress-free air travel, I was suddenly overcome with a fear of flying.

Huffington Post

Freshly re-traumatized, the LGBT community is now faced with a choice - cower in the shadows overcome with this fear and despair OR become soldiers (yet again) with a unifying cause.

Huffington Post

Whenever you feel overcome with the fear, grab your handy dandy notebook and get to journaling.

WikiHow

"My stomach was churning, I was overcome with embarrassment and fear".

The New Yorker

He ran into Mr. Meneses frequently at academic conferences after the meeting 13 years ago, but he avoided contact, overcome with shame and fear.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "overcome with fear" to vividly describe a character's or a person's internal experience of being overwhelmed by fear, rather than merely stating they are afraid. It adds emotional depth and intensity.

Common error

Avoid using "overcome with fear" when describing mild apprehension or nervousness. This phrase suggests a powerful, almost debilitating level of fear, so reserve it for situations where the intensity of the emotion warrants such strong language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "overcome with fear" functions as a descriptive expression, typically used to indicate a state of being intensely affected by fear. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically correct and widely accepted. It emphasizes the intensity and dominating nature of the emotion.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "overcome with fear" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that describes the state of being intensely affected by fear. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Its primary function is descriptive, aiming to convey a vivid image of extreme fright and evoke empathy. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it appears most frequently in "News & Media" contexts, making it suitable for conveying intense emotional experiences in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

terrified

A shorter and more direct way to express intense fear.

gripped by terror

Emphasizes a sudden and powerful onset of intense fear.

petrified

Highlights the immobilizing aspect of fear, suggesting being turned to stone.

paralyzed by fright

Highlights the immobilizing effect of extreme fear.

consumed by anxiety

Focuses on the overwhelming nature of anxiety, a close relative of fear.

filled with trepidation

Indicates a state of apprehension and worry about future events.

seized by panic

Highlights a sudden, intense wave of fear that leads to disordered thinking and behavior.

in a state of alarm

Indicates a heightened sense of awareness and anxiety due to perceived danger.

beset by apprehension

Suggests being troubled or persistently affected by anxiety.

frightened out of one's wits

Conveys an extreme state of fear that causes mental disorientation.

FAQs

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

You can use "overcome with fear" to describe someone who is experiencing a strong, overwhelming sensation of fear. For example, "The hiker was overcome with fear when he encountered a bear on the trail."

What are some alternatives to "overcome with fear"?

Alternatives include "gripped by terror", "paralyzed by fright", or simply "terrified" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "overcome by fear" or "overcome with fear"?

"Overcome with fear" is the more common and idiomatic expression. While "overcome by fear" isn't grammatically incorrect, it's less frequently used and may sound slightly less natural.

What does it mean to be "overcome with fear"?

To be "overcome with fear" means that a person is experiencing such a strong sense of fear that it is difficult for them to think clearly or act rationally. The fear is all-consuming and may feel paralyzing.