stir up fear

USAGE SUMMARY

"stir up fear" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to incite or provoke fear or anxiety in someone or a group of people. Example: The politician's controversial statements stirred up fear among the immigrant community. In this sentence, "stir up fear" is used to describe how the politician's words caused fear and unease among immigrants.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

As emotional browbeating goes, nothing beats the efficiency with which the movies can stir up fear.

The New York Times

We don't want hatemongers from outside trying to stir up fear in our community.

The New York Times

The fact that it is used, even indirectly, to stir up fear of Muslims is utterly disgraceful.

The Guardian - Opinion

And if the government propaganda is meant to stir up fear among Kikuyus, Mr Odinga is hardly making them feel more comfortable.

The Economist

Rather than advance our understanding of this serious issue, the survey seems predictably designed to stir up fear that Jew-hatred is a growing global phenomenon that puts the world's Jews universally at risk, and that the biggest culprits are Muslims and Arabs, particularly Palestinians.

The Guardian - Opinion

Both tactics are designed to stir up fear and nip in the bud the emergence of competitors).

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

There is an important corollary of this: anyone who successfully stirs up fear, who adds to the tension and to the sense that these are uniquely dangerous times, is actually incentivising additional terrorist attacks.

The Guardian - Opinion

Such Cassandras stir up fears about dirty air and water, and raise the spectre of toxic dumps around every corner.

The Economist

It may be that people fret when they lack reliable information or that in some countries local politicians stir up fears.Whatever the reasons, the public reaction explains why phone masts in Italy are often disguised, for instance as the arches of a hamburger restaurant, as a palm tree or even as the cross on a famous cathedral.

The Economist

But the President and his aides instead tossed out ideas from time to time, allowing opponents to stir up fears that Grandma's benefits were going to be slashed and that the retirement age would be raised to 95.

Forbes

FPO leaders have pointed to those people to stir up fears of a potential "Islamization" of Austria and to campaign for tighter borders.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stir up fear" when you want to emphasize the act of agitating or provoking existing anxieties, rather than simply creating them.

Common error

Avoid using "stir up fear" excessively in overly dramatic or sensationalized writing, as it can diminish the impact of your message. Consider using more nuanced language to convey specific concerns or anxieties.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stir up fear" functions as a verb phrase, typically used transitively. It describes the action of causing or increasing fear, anxiety, or apprehension in someone or a group, Ludwig AI confirms that this is correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stir up fear" is a valid and commonly used expression that describes the act of provoking or intensifying feelings of fear or anxiety. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, the phrase is used to describe actions, rhetoric, or events that incite apprehension. While grammatically sound, it's advisable to use the phrase judiciously, avoiding sensationalist contexts. Related phrases include "incite fear" and "provoke fear", offering nuanced alternatives. Understanding the context and potential impact of this phrase is crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incite fear

Focuses on the act of initiating fear.

provoke fear

Highlights the cause-and-effect relationship of creating fear.

instill fear

Emphasizes the process of gradually introducing fear.

arouse fear

Suggests awakening a dormant feeling of fear.

generate fear

Highlights the creation or production of fear.

foment fear

Implies actively promoting fear or discord.

fan the flames of fear

Uses a metaphor to describe intensifying existing fears.

raise anxieties

Shifts focus to anxiety as a closely related emotion.

spark apprehension

Highlights a more subtle form of unease.

spread alarm

Focuses on distributing fear to a wider audience.

FAQs

How can I use "stir up fear" in a sentence?

You can use "stir up fear" to describe actions that incite anxiety or apprehension. For example: "The politician's rhetoric "stirred up fear" among immigrants."

What are some alternatives to "stir up fear"?

Alternatives include "incite fear", "provoke fear", or "instill fear", each with slightly different nuances.

What is the difference between "stir up fear" and "create fear"?

"Stir up fear" implies agitating existing feelings of anxiety, while "create fear" suggests generating new feelings of fear where none previously existed.

Is it grammatically correct to say "stir up fears" instead of "stir up fear"?

Both are grammatically correct. "Stir up fear" refers to a general feeling, while "stir up fears" suggests specific, identifiable anxieties.