thrive on fear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thrive on fear" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that flourishes or becomes more successful in situations of fear or anxiety. Example: "Some individuals seem to thrive on fear, using it as a motivator to push themselves beyond their limits."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The bad ones thrive on fear and demand obedience on pain of death.

The New York Times

Markets, unfortunately, thrive on fear, and such disclosure would tamp this down.

The New York Times

Extremists thrive on fear and uncertainty and we must work across party lines to take these away.

The Guardian - Opinion

As such, we are gravely concerned that the proposed counter-extremism and safeguarding bill will feed the very commodity that the terrorists thrive on: fear".

The Guardian

Po Murray, chair of the Newtown Action Alliance, said: "Donald Trump continues to pander to the corporate gun lobby and the gun extremists who thrive on fear and rhetoric.

The Guardian

A statement backed by Liberty, Index on Censorship, the Muslim Council of Britain, and Sir Peter Fahy, the former chief constable of Greater Manchester and Cole's predecessor as policing lead for Prevent, says: "We are gravely concerned that the proposed counter-extremism and safeguarding bill will feed the very commodity that the terrorists thrive on: fear.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

For a man who says he thrives on fear (of the inward rather than outward variety), perhaps that's not an entirely bad thing.

Independent

When you are facing state brutality, widespread corruption and an authoritarian system that thrives on fear, it is easy to feel that way.

The Guardian

He is inducted into the group and told about his upcoming challenges which will include a battle with Parallax (voiced by Clancy Brown), a creature who thrives on fear.

Huffington Post

The practice of reverence is how we transcend our judgments, which sets us free from the tyranny of the ego-self, which thrives on fear and separation by labeling everything and everyone as good or bad, desirable or undesirable, right or wrong, and so on.

Huffington Post

The Taliban thrive on the fear of outsiders: they invoke a hostile world in the hope that people will cling to them for fear of something worse.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "thrive on fear" to describe entities or individuals displaying remarkable resilience or adaptability in threatening circumstances.

Common error

Avoid attributing success solely to fear when other factors, such as skill, strategy, or resources, also contribute significantly. Overemphasizing fear can create a skewed and incomplete narrative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thrive on fear" functions as a verb phrase indicating that something or someone flourishes or benefits from a state of fear. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It suggests that fear is not merely endured but actively contributes to growth or success.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "thrive on fear" describes a situation where something benefits from or flourishes in an atmosphere of fear. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage and grammatical correctness. While uncommon, its presence in news and media highlights its relevance in describing entities, from extremist groups to market behaviors, that seem to gain strength from environments of anxiety and intimidation. Consider the ethical implications when using this phrase, as it can imply exploitation or manipulation. Alternatives like "prosper in fear" or "flourish in fear" may offer nuanced perspectives depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prosper in fear

Replaces "thrive" with "prosper", emphasizing financial or material success derived from fear.

flourish in fear

Substitutes "thrive" with "flourish", highlighting a vibrant and healthy growth within a fearful environment.

capitalize on fear

Focuses on exploiting fear for personal gain or advantage, changing the nuance to a more opportunistic perspective.

benefit from fear

Highlights the positive outcomes or advantages gained as a result of fear, rather than the act of flourishing.

gain strength from fear

Emphasizes the acquisition of resilience or power as a direct result of experiencing fear.

draw power from fear

Suggests that fear is a source of energy or capability.

be fueled by fear

Implies that fear acts as a motivator or driving force.

exploit fear

Highlights the act of taking advantage of fear.

make use of fear

Focuses on leveraging fear for specific purposes.

grow stronger through fear

Suggests that overcoming fear leads to personal growth and development.

FAQs

How can I use "thrive on fear" in a sentence?

You can use "thrive on fear" to describe individuals, organizations, or even systems that seem to benefit or grow stronger in environments characterized by fear or anxiety. For example, "Extremists "thrive on fear" and uncertainty."

What are some alternatives to "thrive on fear"?

Alternatives include phrases like "prosper in fear", "flourish in fear", or "capitalize on fear". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to say someone "thrives on fear"?

Not necessarily. While it can imply a negative connotation, especially when describing manipulative or exploitative behavior, it can also describe someone who is exceptionally resilient or performs well under pressure. The context is crucial.

What's the difference between "thrive on fear" and "tolerate fear"?

"Thrive on fear" suggests a positive outcome or benefit derived from fear, whereas "tolerate fear" simply means enduring or coping with fear without necessarily gaining anything from it.