profound terror

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "profound terror" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a deep and intense feeling of fear or dread in various contexts, such as literature, film, or personal experiences. Example: "As the storm approached, a sense of profound terror gripped the villagers, fearing for their safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

It's the profound terror of knowing you don't know a thing.

The New York Times - Books

There is no reason that someone couldn't modify a virus; you could release it on an airplane or subway, and it could have profound terror effects".

The New York Times

"Even the memory of simple skills, such as how to chair a meeting, deliberate, or make collective decisions was erased during the dictatorship and replaced by a profound terror of participation, debate and critique," she says.

The Guardian

Schoenberg's late, unsparing String Trio, written during his recovery from a heart attack, wrestles with intimations of mortality in music that suggests the alternation of profound terror with exhausted calm, all the while pushing the players to their technical and expressive limits.

The Guardian - Music

The conflict that results from this realisation and the natural desire to live produces cognitive dissonance that causes profound terror and anxiety.

Huffington Post

Yorke denied any intent to make a "political statement" with the songs, and told the Toronto Star, "I desperately tried not to write anything political, anything expressing the deep, profound terror I'm living with day to day.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"Freaks are called freaks," observed author James Baldwin, "and are treated as they are treated -- in the main, abominably -- because they are human beings who cause to echo, deep within us, our most profound terrors and desires".

Huffington Post

How do you write about dislocation, profound loneliness, terror?

The New York Times - Books

When my boyfriend informed me that most people who try to give up will never succeed, I felt a profound sense of terror.

The Guardian - Opinion

In Doctor Sleep, Danny fights his past with a more profound sense of terror than anything the woman with the tusk can bring on.

The Guardian - Books

Since Sept. 11, New Yorkers have been deeply moved by the enduring courage, dignity and magnificence with which our firefighters have given of themselves so completely despite threats of terror and profound personal and communal grief.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "profound terror" to describe situations eliciting a sense of deep dread or intense fear that has a lasting impact. It can be effective in literature or journalistic contexts to heighten emotional impact.

Common error

Avoid using "profound terror" in everyday situations that elicit only mild fear or anxiety. The phrase's intensity is best reserved for situations that genuinely evoke deep-seated dread.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "profound terror" functions as a noun phrase, where 'profound' modifies the noun 'terror'. It describes a state of intense fear or dread. Ludwig examples indicate its use in conveying deep emotional impact.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "profound terror" is a grammatically correct and semantically rich phrase used to describe a deep and intense feeling of fear or dread. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and appropriateness in formal and neutral contexts. While not very common, its effective use lies in conveying strong emotional impact in literature, journalism, and serious discussions. Remember to reserve it for situations genuinely evoking deep-seated dread to avoid diluting its intensity. Consider using alternatives like "deep fear" or "intense dread" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deep fear

Focuses on the depth of the fear experienced.

intense dread

Highlights the intensity of the feeling of dread.

extreme anxiety

Emphasizes the high level of anxiety caused by the terror.

overwhelming fear

Indicates the fear is so strong that the person feels they cannot handle it.

deep-seated fear

Suggests the fear is rooted deep within one's psyche.

palpable dread

Indicates the dread is so intense it can almost be felt physically.

abject fear

Emphasizes the hopelessness and degradation associated with the fear.

consuming dread

Focuses on how the dread completely dominates one's thoughts and feelings.

unmitigated terror

Highlights the complete lack of any relief or lessening of the terror.

crippling fear

Indicates the fear is so severe it prevents one from functioning normally.

FAQs

How can I use "profound terror" in a sentence?

You can use "profound terror" to describe a deep and intense feeling of fear or dread in various contexts. For example: "The thought of losing her family filled her with "profound terror"."

What are some alternatives to "profound terror"?

You can use alternatives like "deep fear", "intense dread", or "extreme anxiety" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "profound terror" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "profound terror" is appropriate for formal writing when describing situations that warrant a strong emotional response. However, ensure the context aligns with the intensity of the phrase.

What's the difference between "profound terror" and "simple fear"?

"Profound terror" suggests a deeper, more intense and lasting fear, while "simple fear" describes a more basic or transient emotion.