trigger fear

USAGE SUMMARY

"trigger fear" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you are trying to describe a situation that causes fear or anxiety in a person. For example, "The sound of thunder triggered fear in the small child."

✓ Grammatically correct

CBT reframes "the relationship to cues that trigger fear, worry and anxiety", using "graded exposure to fear-inducing situations".

Robirds have flapping wings and are designed to mimic the real creatures, producing a silhouette to trigger fear in the creatures.

The researchers then used the smell to trigger fear memories during sleep as a way to enable patients to adjust without the stress of conscious terror.

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

CBT reframes "the relationship to cues that trigger fear, worry and anxiety", using "graded exposure to fear-inducing situations".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Robirds have flapping wings and are designed to mimic the real creatures, producing a silhouette to trigger fear in the creatures.

The Guardian

The researchers then used the smell to trigger fear memories during sleep as a way to enable patients to adjust without the stress of conscious terror.

The Washington Post

As a postdoctoral researcher under olfactory expert Gottfried, she thought about using odors to trigger fear memories during sleep as a way to alter the emotional memory.

The Washington Post

An efficient early warning system, social contagions trigger fear and furor, and they can have a stronger effect when someone is in leadership.

The Washington Post

The idea is to disconnect the memory from the reactions to the memory, so that although the memory of the traumatic event remains, the everyday things that can trigger fear and panic, such as trash blowing across the interstate or a car backfiring — what psychologists refer to as cues — are restored to insignificance.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

He predicts that would rile investors and trigger fears of another Dot-com style bust.

The Washington Post

When they happen more than they should, they can trigger fears of looming dementia or Alzheimer's disease.

Harvard University

can trigger fears more damaging than the immediate sensation of pain". "In general, direct physical brutality creates only resentment, hostility and further defiance," the manual said.

The Washington Post

Although increasing the minimum wage can stimulate the economy by putting more money in the pockets of those most likely to spend it on necessities, he said, suggestions to raise minimum wages typically trigger fears.

University of California, Berkeley

It's also possible a co-worker's behavior may trigger fears or insecurities you want to work on.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "trigger fear" when you want to emphasize the specific stimulus or event that causes a fear response. For example, "The sudden loud noise triggered fear in the dog."

Common error

While "trigger fear" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid using it in highly formal or academic writing where more precise or technical language might be preferred. Consider alternatives like "elicit a fear response" or "induce anxiety" in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trigger fear" functions as a verb phrase where "trigger" is the transitive verb and "fear" is the direct object. It describes the act of causing a feeling of fear, as illustrated by the Ludwig examples, such as "Robirds have flapping wings and are designed to mimic the real creatures, producing a silhouette to trigger fear in the creatures."

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "trigger fear" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe the act of initiating a fear response. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is appropriate in a variety of contexts, from news reports and scientific discussions to general writing. While alternatives such as "elicit fear" or "provoke fear" exist, "trigger fear" effectively communicates a direct stimulus-response relationship. When writing, consider your audience and context, opting for more formal language if needed but understanding that "trigger fear" is generally well-accepted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

elicit fear

Focuses on drawing out or provoking fear from someone or something.

provoke fear

Highlights the act of instigating fear in someone.

instill fear

Emphasizes the process of gradually implanting fear.

arouse fear

Highlights the stirring up or awakening of fear.

spark fear

Implies a sudden or immediate beginning of fear.

generate fear

Focuses on the creation or production of fear.

incite fear

Highlights the act of urging or prompting fear.

cause fear

A more direct and general way of saying something produces fear.

bring about fear

Indicates that something leads to the experience of fear.

give rise to fear

Emphasizes that something creates the conditions for fear to emerge.

FAQs

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

You can use "trigger fear" to indicate that a particular stimulus or event causes a feeling of fear. For example, "The horror movie triggered fear in the audience".

What are some alternatives to "trigger fear"?

You can use alternatives like "elicit fear", "provoke fear", or "instill fear" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "trigger fear"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Trigger" functions as a verb, and "fear" serves as the direct object.

What's the difference between "trigger fear" and "cause fear"?

"Trigger fear" often implies a more immediate and direct stimulus-response, while "cause fear" is a more general term for something that leads to fear. They can often be used interchangeably, but "trigger fear" suggests a more specific initiating event.