panic mongering

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "panic mongering" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of inciting fear or anxiety, often for personal gain or to manipulate others. Example: "The media's panic mongering about the virus led to widespread fear and confusion among the public."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Ludi Simpson, a reader in social statistics at Manchester University has been very outspoken in his criticism of the sensationalism and panic mongering over the issue; he pointedly asked, if "we talk about 'sleepwalking to segregation', who is having the nightmare?" Interestingly, both Cantle and Simpson agreed before the session that they both wanted the word "segregation" buried.

The Guardian - Opinion

Secondly there does seem to a bit of a whiff of the panic mongering of the "clash of civilisations" crowd and the anti-immigration European right.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Scenario 1: Household member dismisses Homeland Security alerts as "panic-mongering," sowing calm.

The New Yorker

For all that the ad was charged with panic-mongering and upsetting children, Davies defends it.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

That makes the numbers for Hispanics look worse than they are.Nativist panic-mongering about a Hispanic "invasion" has helped to skew public perceptions.

The Economist

Apparently the Hippocratic oath does not cover panic-mongering: Dr Paul has popped up on talk-radio shows, alleging that when Barack Obama or his scientists say that Ebola is rather hard to catch, they are fibbing.

The Economist

The combination of moral-panic-mongers willing to practice a politics of personal destruction and the ability to anonymously advocate for one's favorite fetish on one of the world's most widely read websites leads to constant low-intensity conflict.

The Guardian - Tech

"Irresponsible panic-mongering", replied federal research minister Edelgard Bulmahn.

Science Magazine

Immediately, it faced accusations of panic-mongering and complaints that it would terrify any children who happened to be watching.

BBC

Sadly, and irrespective of any political chess gambit he's setting up, he's contributing to this nefarious Social Security "insolvency" panic-mongering: a total myth and perhaps the biggest lie being foisted upon the American people today.

Huffington Post

At the very least, Klain's appointment led Obama's rabid political opposition and the nitwits in the media to take some time off of their Ebola panic-mongering to indulge in several days worth of seeking a Klainsplanation.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "panic mongering" when you want to specifically emphasize the act of spreading panic rather than just general fear or alarm. Be mindful of the context and ensure it accurately reflects the situation you're describing.

Common error

Avoid using "panic mongering" excessively, as it can sound repetitive or hyperbolic. Consider using synonyms like "fear-mongering" or "alarmism" for variety and to maintain a balanced tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "panic mongering" functions as a noun phrase often used to describe the act of spreading fear or anxiety, especially to incite panic. Ludwig indicates that it is grammatically correct. It can also act as a subject or object in a sentence.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Opinion

50%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "panic mongering" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe the act of spreading panic, often with a negative connotation. Ludwig confirms its usability, though it's less common than synonyms like "fear-mongering". Its use is primarily found in news and opinion contexts. While effective in conveying the deliberate creation of panic, consider alternative phrasing for clarity and impact. The main goal of "panic mongering" is often to criticize or condemn the action of spreading panic, often used by exaggerating threats.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fear-mongering

More common and direct term for spreading fear.

alarmism

Focuses on the exaggerated nature of the fear being spread.

scaremongering

Similar to fear-mongering but emphasizes the deliberate creation of scares.

spreading hysteria

Highlights the uncontrolled and contagious nature of the fear.

inciting panic

Focuses on the action of causing panic in others.

creating alarm

A more general term for causing worry or concern.

exploiting fears

Highlights the manipulative aspect of using fear for one's own advantage.

doom-mongering

Focuses on predicting negative outcomes to create fear.

crisis-mongering

Emphasizes creating a sense of crisis to provoke fear and action.

instilling anxiety

Focuses on causing a feeling of unease and worry.

FAQs

What does "panic mongering" mean?

"Panic mongering" refers to the act of spreading or inciting widespread panic or fear, often without a legitimate basis or with exaggerated claims. It's similar to "fear-mongering" but specifically emphasizes the creation of panic.

How is "panic mongering" different from "fear-mongering"?

While both terms involve spreading fear, "panic mongering" suggests a more immediate and intense level of anxiety and disruption. "Fear-mongering" can be a broader term, while "panic mongering" implies that the fear has escalated into widespread panic.

What are some alternatives to "panic mongering"?

You can use alternatives like "alarmism", "scaremongering", or "spreading hysteria" depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "panic mongering" a commonly used phrase?

No, "panic mongering" is not as common as its close synonym "fear-mongering". While grammatically correct and understandable, you might consider using more common alternatives for clearer communication.