provoke terror

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "provoke terror" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing actions or events that instigate fear or anxiety in individuals or groups. Example: "The sudden explosion in the city was intended to provoke terror among the residents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

If an artist can't show art on the grounds that it might provoke terror, the terrorists have plainly won.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The three elements — alive, helpless, like us — seem essential to provoking terror through imagery.

The New Yorker

"During her life she provoked terror and panic," explained Susana Martín, a local journalist who interviewed Montserrat and Triana in jail.

The Guardian

By definition, Professor Goldberg said, a conspiracy theory is a belief that cunning forces are seeking to bend history to their will, provoking terror attacks or economic calamity to move the world in the direction they wish.

The New York Times

According to Mr. Derfner, he was fired by the newspaper even after he had published a lengthy apology on his personal Web site for what he described as a poorly worded attempt to shock Israelis into considering the possibility that the continued occupation of Palestinian land seized by Israel provokes terror attacks.

The New York Times

Mehdi Hasan's claim (We accept Russian bombs can provoke a terror backlash.

The Guardian

Just a month before they shuck off the last traces of their Communist past by joining the European Union, their government is collapsing and they worry that, like Spain, their friendship with the United States may provoke a terror attack against them.

The New York Times

The calamity that ensues provokes both terror and guilt in her, and she makes an inevitable dash for the sea in order to drown herself.

The Guardian - Books

I have never known anyone whose reputation provoked more terror yet whose actual presence was more fun than Dame Zaha Hadid's.

The New Yorker

It will spread terror, provoke conventional wars and destabilize moderate Arab nations.

The New York Times

These criminal bully tactics, like drug cartel or mafia gangsters, are undertaken to provoke fear and terror so that good people do nothing to fight evil acts and vicious laws.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "provoke terror" when you want to emphasize the act of intentionally causing intense fear as a means of control or intimidation.

Common error

Avoid using "provoke terror" when describing unintentional consequences of actions. Use "incite" if the intention is to stir up violence or unrest, as "provoke" can sometimes imply a less direct causation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provoke terror" functions as a verb phrase + noun, indicating the action of causing or instigating extreme fear. The examples show it's used to describe deliberate acts intended to create intense fear.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0.5%

Reference

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "provoke terror" is used to describe the action of intentionally causing intense fear and dread. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. Alternatives like "incite terror" or "instigate fear" offer nuanced variations. When writing, it's important to consider the intent behind the act and choose the most appropriate phrase to convey the specific context and intensity of the fear being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incite terror

Focuses on the act of urging or stirring up terror, rather than simply causing it.

instigate fear

Emphasizes the initiation of fear, a key component of terror, with a slightly broader scope.

spark terror

Suggests a sudden and immediate onset of terror, like igniting a flame.

generate fear

Highlights the creation of fear, implying a process or system leading to terror.

induce panic

Shifts the focus to the resulting state of panic, a direct consequence of terror.

arouse terror

Emphasizes the awakening or stirring up of feelings of terror that were previously dormant.

trigger dread

Focuses on the triggering aspect, highlighting that something specific initiated the dread.

foment terror

Suggests the deliberate promotion of terror for political or social purposes.

wreak havoc

Focuses on the destructive consequences and chaos resulting from terror, rather than its direct instigation.

unleash fear

Emphasizes the release of a potent force of fear, suggesting a loss of control.

FAQs

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

You can use "provoke terror" to describe actions or events that are intended to create intense fear and anxiety. For example: "The bombing was designed to "provoke terror" among the civilian population."

What are some alternatives to saying "provoke terror"?

Alternatives include "incite terror", "instigate fear", or "spark terror". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "provokes terror" instead of "provoke terror"?

Yes, both are grammatically correct. "Provoke terror" is used when the subject is plural or 'I', 'we', 'you', or 'they'. "Provokes terror" is used when the subject is singular and third person (he, she, it).

What is the difference between "provoke terror" and "provoke fear"?

"Provoke fear" is a more general term, while "provoke terror" suggests a more intense and overwhelming sense of fear. Terror implies a deeper and more profound psychological impact.