profit from fear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "profit from fear" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing how individuals or organizations may take advantage of others' fears for financial gain or other benefits. Example: "Some companies tend to profit from fear by marketing products that promise safety and security in uncertain times."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Whether it is with scorn, anger or resignation, most computer experts and Year 2000 program managers brush off suggestions that they overreacted to the Y2K threat, taken in by computer companies and consultants positioned to profit from fear.

The New York Times

Politicians who profit from exploiting this hate, from fanning it, must not be tempted by this easy way to profit from fear and misunderstanding.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Until we recognize and address the material implications of American racism, we will continue to be hounded by populist politicians profiting from fear and hate.

Forbes

And, as Alibek raised fear of bioterrorism in the United States, he also has sought to profit from that fear.

Los Angeles Times

"We can't allow anyone to violate our laws and threaten people's health in order to profit from the fear of bioterrorism," Attorney General Gregoire said.

The New York Times

Those who profit from education fear such a transformation, and understandably so.

Huffington Post

Alibek also has sought to profit from the fear of such weapons of mass destruction, landing federal contracts or grants for himself or entities that hired him totaling about $28 million, including several listed below.

Los Angeles Times

They have profited immensely from fear, as the bristling southern border attests.

The New York Times

"The sense of crisis we feel, despite increasing sales and profits, stems from fear that we have not kept up," he said.

Forbes

Federal prosecutors yesterday charged a Colombo crime family associate and three other men with trying to profit from anthrax fears by selling shares of a company claiming to be the sole distributor of a device that kills the disease in seconds.

The New York Times

Are they happy with a food supply controlled with the aid of food companies who profit from the fears that they and their allies have planted?

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about sensitive topics, use "profit from fear" to accurately convey the unethical exploitation of people's anxieties for financial or political gain. This phrase highlights the deliberate nature of such actions.

Common error

Don't dilute the impact by using weaker terms like "benefit from concern" when the situation clearly involves exploiting intense fear. "Profit from fear" is specifically about leveraging anxiety for gain.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "profit from fear" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of gaining an advantage, typically financial, by exploiting the fears of others. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is usable in written English. It highlights the unethical nature of leveraging anxiety for personal gain.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "profit from fear" is a powerful expression used to condemn the unethical practice of exploiting anxieties for personal gain. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely understood. While not exceedingly common, its usage is prevalent in contexts such as news reporting, where the aim is to expose exploitative behaviors. The phrase carries a strong negative connotation, highlighting the deliberate manipulation of people's fears, with alternatives like "capitalize on anxieties" or "exploit vulnerabilities" offering nuanced perspectives. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to maintain precision, ensuring that it accurately portrays situations where fear is consciously leveraged for profit rather than merely coincidental benefits, thus avoiding vague language or misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capitalize on anxieties

Replaces "fear" with "anxieties", focusing on a slightly broader range of negative emotions.

monetize panic

Highlights the conversion of widespread panic into financial benefits.

exploit vulnerabilities

Shifts the focus from fear to the underlying weaknesses that allow exploitation.

leverage public anxieties

Highlights the active manipulation and utilization of collective fears.

take advantage of unease

Substitutes "fear" with "unease", suggesting a milder form of anxiety.

gain from insecurity

Emphasizes the sense of insecurity that is being exploited for profit.

benefit from apprehension

Uses a more formal synonym, "apprehension", for "fear".

cash in on worries

More informal and direct, suggesting immediate financial gain.

trade on public concerns

Shifts focus to broader "concerns" and their opportunistic exploitation.

make capital out of fright

Uses a slightly archaic word "fright" to emphasize the intensity of fear.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "profit from fear" to sound more formal?

Consider using more formal alternatives like "capitalize on anxieties", "exploit vulnerabilities", or "benefit from apprehension", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What is the difference between "profit from fear" and "take advantage of"?

"Profit from fear" specifically denotes gaining something, often financially, by exploiting people's fears. "Take advantage of" is a broader term that implies using someone's weakness or a situation for personal gain, not necessarily tied to fear.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "profit from fear"?

The phrase "profit from fear" is best used when discussing situations where individuals or organizations are deliberately manipulating and exploiting people's anxieties, often for financial or political advantage. It implies a calculated and unethical approach.

Are there any negative connotations associated with the phrase "profit from fear"?

Yes, "profit from fear" carries a strongly negative connotation. It suggests unethical behavior and a cynical disregard for the well-being of others, as those who "profit from fear" are seen as exploiting vulnerabilities for personal gain.