stricken with fear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stricken with fear" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe someone who is feeling very fearful or intimidated in a given situation. For example, "The little girl was stricken with fear as the storm raged outside her window."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Ashen, sweaty and stricken with fear.

Independent

The waitress, who is white, is stricken with fear as she looks at the men and the goat.

The New York Times

It's odd how stricken with fear they'll get, but as soon as the first chord is hit, they're fine," he said.

The Guardian - Music

Terrorists would pack their (transparent, resealable, non-liquid-holding) bags at airports, and leave the country, stricken with fear at the government's efficiency.

The Guardian - Opinion

Your diary keeps quiet when it's the eight year anniversary of when you lost your job and you sat in the food court after finding out, and your internet banking told you there was $6 in your account and you were stricken with fear and shame, as you pondered whether you could actually afford the can of Coke Zero.

The Guardian - Opinion

The boy then sees a female teacher in a classroom who's stricken with fear and closes the door, realizing that the boy is the cause of the damage.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

At the heart of my ambition was the desire to be free of a strong, stolid father suddenly stricken with uncontrollable fear for a grown-up son's well-being.

The New York Times - Books

Immigrant communities are stricken with fresh fears of deportation and disruption.

Vice

His face was stricken with worry and fear.

Huffington Post

GLAD to see the back of Binyamin Netanyahu, Palestinians are now struck with the fear that Israel's new boss, Ehud Barak, may not be entirely dissimilar to its old when it comes to dealing with Jewish settlements in the West Bank.

The Economist

As we are trying to process the hundreds of emotions that come with finding out we are pregnant, why is it that all too often, and all too soon, so many of us are struck with such fear and anxiety over sadly the most common burdens we face - the uneasiness of money and time.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stricken with fear" to describe a state of intense and sudden fear, often resulting from a shocking or unexpected event. It conveys a stronger sense of fear than simply saying someone is 'afraid'.

Common error

Avoid using "stricken with fear" in casual contexts where the level of fear is mild or moderate. It's best reserved for scenarios involving significant threat or trauma.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stricken with fear" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of being overwhelmed by fear. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stricken with fear" is a grammatically sound phrase used to depict a state of intense terror. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While not as common as simpler alternatives like "afraid", it provides a stronger, more evocative description, frequently appearing in news and media contexts to highlight the gravity of a situation. When using this phrase, reserve it for situations where the fear is genuinely overwhelming, avoiding overuse in everyday scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

terror-stricken

A compound adjective that directly equates to being affected intensely by terror.

overcome with terror

Emphasizes the overpowering nature of the fear; uses a more dramatic term than 'fear'.

paralyzed by fear

Highlights the immobilizing effect of intense fear; focuses on the physical reaction.

seized by fear

Indicates a sudden and forceful onset of fear, suggesting a loss of control.

consumed by dread

Suggests a pervasive and overwhelming sense of impending doom; uses a more literary term.

gripped by panic

Focuses on the sudden and intense onset of fear; emphasizes the loss of control.

filled with apprehension

Implies a more anticipatory and worried state; less intense than 'stricken with fear'.

in a state of alarm

Highlights a sudden awareness of danger or threat; more general than 'stricken with fear'.

scared stiff

An informal expression indicating extreme fear that causes temporary paralysis.

petrified

Implies an intense fear that renders someone unable to move or act.

FAQs

How can I use "stricken with fear" in a sentence?

You can use "stricken with fear" to describe someone experiencing intense fear. For example, "She was stricken with fear when she saw the shadowy figure in the alley."

What's a less dramatic alternative to "stricken with fear"?

If you want a less intense phrase, consider alternatives like "filled with apprehension" or "in a state of alarm".

Is "stricken with fear" the same as "afraid"?

No, "stricken with fear" implies a much stronger and more overwhelming sense of fear than simply being "afraid". It suggests a sudden onset of intense terror.

Can "stricken with fear" be used in a positive context?

No, "stricken with fear" always carries a negative connotation and describes a state of distress or terror. It is not appropriate for positive situations.