spread fear

USAGE SUMMARY

"spread fear" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the spreading of fear or anxiety throughout a group of people. Example: After the news of the outbreak spread, fear began to spread throughout the town.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They want to spread fear.

The Guardian

Terrorists want to spread fear and chaos.

The New York Times

Cautionary tales aren't meant to spread fear.

Harvard Business Review

Mr Clegg said: "I will never spread fear about immigration.

Independent

Critics say they spread fear and harass legal residents.

The New York Times

Giving terrorist propaganda a stage to spread fear.

Independent

Terrorism's primary aim is to cause and spread fear.

The Guardian

More significant, United's experience helped spread fear through the industry.

The New York Times - Magazine

Schuler's murder has spread fear across the trans community.

The Guardian

What they want in short is to spread fear.

The Guardian

He was charismatic and engaging, but he also spread fear.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "spread fear", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. Are you emphasizing the act of causing fear, its propagation, or its consequences? Choose synonyms accordingly.

Common error

Avoid using "spread fear" excessively in sensationalist contexts, as it can weaken your message. Opt for more precise language that reflects the specific type and intensity of fear being conveyed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spread fear" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "spread" is the transitive verb and "fear" is its direct object. As the Ludwig AI indicates, it's a common expression that describes the action of causing fear to become widespread. We can see this function in the examples, such as "Terrorists want to spread fear and chaos."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "spread fear" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe the act of causing fear to become widespread. As the Ludwig AI indicates, it is frequently found in news and media, as well as in academic and scientific contexts. While generally neutral in register, it's important to consider the specific nuance you wish to convey and avoid overuse in sensationalist contexts. Alternatives like "instill fear" or "propagate fear" may be more appropriate depending on the specific intention.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

instill fear

Focuses on the act of placing fear within someone, rather than its dissemination.

propagate fear

Emphasizes the widespread distribution and reproduction of fear.

foment fear

Highlights the deliberate incitement and encouragement of fear.

generate fear

Focuses on the creation of fear as a result.

spark fear

Implies an abrupt start of fear.

stir up fear

Suggests agitation and arousal of pre-existing fear.

incite terror

Highlights the action of causing terror, a more extreme form of fear.

create panic

Focuses on generating widespread panic, an intense form of fear.

breed anxiety

Focuses on the act of creating anxiety which is akin to fear.

disseminate alarm

Emphasizes distributing a sense of alarm, a synonym for fear.

FAQs

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

You can use "spread fear" to describe the action of causing fear to become widespread. For example, "The terrorist attack aimed to "spread fear" among the population."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "spread fear"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "instill fear", "propagate fear", or "foment fear".

Is it correct to say "spread of fear"?

Yes, "spread of fear" is grammatically correct. It refers to the dissemination or expansion of fear. The phrase "spread fear" emphasizes the action, while "spread of fear" focuses on the result.

What's the difference between "spread fear" and "incite panic"?

"Spread fear" refers to the general dissemination of fear, while "incite panic" suggests a more intense and immediate reaction. Panic is a more acute and overwhelming form of fear.