provoke fear

USAGE SUMMARY

"provoke fear" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation in which someone or something is causing fear in another person or group. For example, "The dictator's threatening rhetoric provoked fear among the people."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

Elsewhere institutions provoke fear, contempt or frustration.

The Guardian - Opinion

Terrorist attacks provoke fear around the globe.

The New York Times

"This is not to provoke fear or controversy," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Yet they provoke fear as well as wonder.

The Economist

Neurologic complications can be severe, and can provoke fear in potential vaccines.

Handbook of Clinical Neurology

In humans, the notion that pheromones provoke fear and other responses remains controversial.

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

His wife does not appear at state functions lest her designer head scarf provoke fears of an imminent theocracy.

The New York Times - Magazine

Swarms of any other insect might provoke fears of a coming apocalypse, but clouds of butterflies migrating through Southern California are captivating onlookers who are relishing the otherworldly spectacle.

The New York Times

Medicare payment changes always provoke fears — in this case, that private plans would flee the program and that the quality of care in hospitals would suffer.

The Washington Post

Claims that peanuts and almonds are being used as a substitute for cumin seeds to bulk up common products provoke fears of a food scandal that is described by one expert as "much, much more serious" than the horsemeat crisis.

Independent

For some in the U.S. media, this will set off alarm bells, produce hand-wringing, and provoke fears of "a Sputnik moment," arrived again.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context when using "provoke fear". Ensure the subject causing the fear and the object experiencing it are clear to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid overusing "provoke fear" in contexts where other emotions like anxiety, worry, or unease might be more accurate. Overusing it can create unnecessary drama or exaggeration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provoke fear" functions primarily as a verb phrase where "provoke" acts as a transitive verb taking "fear" as its direct object. According to Ludwig AI, this is a correct and usable phrase that describes the act of causing fear.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

28%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "provoke fear" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe the act of causing fear. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, noting its presence in diverse contexts. The analysis shows its prevalence in "News & Media", scientific, and academic writing, highlighting its versatility. When choosing "provoke fear", consider alternatives such as "stir fear" or "trigger fear" to fine-tune your message. Remember to ensure clarity and avoid overuse in contexts where other emotions might be more fitting. When used precisely, "provoke fear" effectively communicates the instigation of fear in various settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stir fear

This alternative is slightly more evocative, suggesting a more subtle or gradual instigation of fear.

trigger fear

This alternative suggests a more immediate and reactive causation of fear.

incite fear

This alternative emphasizes the act of urging or stimulating fear, often in a deliberate manner.

evoke fear

This alternative highlights the act of bringing fear to the surface or calling it forth.

arouse fear

This alternative suggests a more gradual awakening or stimulation of fear.

instill fear

This alternative emphasizes the act of gradually planting or introducing fear into someone's mind.

generate fear

This alternative emphasizes the act of creating or producing fear.

create fear

This alternative directly implies the act of bringing fear into existence.

foster fear

This alternative suggests nurturing or encouraging the growth of fear.

cause fear

This alternative is a more direct and general way of saying that something leads to fear.

FAQs

How can I use "provoke fear" in a sentence?

You can use "provoke fear" to describe actions or situations that cause fear. For example, "The dictator's policies /s/incite+fear in the population", or "Terrorist attacks /s/trigger+fear around the globe".

What are some synonyms for "provoke fear"?

Synonyms for "provoke fear" include "stir fear", "trigger fear", "incite fear", "evoke fear", and "arouse fear". The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to "provoke fear"?

While "provoke fear" often has negative connotations, it can sometimes be used in a neutral or even positive context. For example, a haunted house might "provoke fear" for entertainment purposes. However, consider your audience to avoid causing offense.

What's the difference between "provoke fear" and "create fear"?

"Provoke fear" suggests that there's an existing potential for fear, which is then triggered or brought out. "Create fear", on the other hand, implies bringing fear into existence where it wasn't before. "Generate fear" could be used as a similar alternative.