spread fear vs instill fear

Both 'spread fear' and 'instill fear' are correct phrases, but they are used in different contexts. 'Spread fear' implies the action of making fear widespread or more prevalent, while 'instill fear' suggests the deliberate act of putting fear into someone or something. The phrases cannot be used interchangeably because their meanings are different.

Explained by Gregg
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: June 08, 2024

spread fear

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used to describe the action of making fear widespread or more prevalent among a group of people or in a particular situation.

Examples:

The dictator's regime used propaganda to spread fear among the population.
The virus outbreak spread fear throughout the community.
The horror movie aimed to spread fear among its viewers.
The terrorist attack was intended to spread fear and panic.
The rumors about layoffs started to spread fear among the employees.

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Coordinated attacks such as these are designed to spread fear and mistrust amongst citizens and to test democracy's commitment to deeply held values.
If that were true then my goal would be to spread fear, but my... method is... far more surgical.
Acts of terror are tragic and, as their name suggests, they are designed to spread fear and panic.
To the terrorists, who want to spread fear and fright, to intimidate, we respond by refusing to be intimidated, and by waging war on terrorism with all the forcefulness and determination we can muster.
To spread fear, make us afraid.
The nature and timing of the arrests lead me to detect a cynical attempt by the authorities to spread fear in advance of the elections due to be held next year.
[cellphone ringing] he blow up people just to spread fear.
You found the ancient brands in the papal vaults and put them to use to spread fear!
Revolutions divide, destabilize, spread fear.
Groups spread fear by saying that they're many.
Why? Last thing I need is to spread fear That a dangerous black man running around this county.
With the Jedi Council focused on the war effort, criminal minds are left unchecked to spread fear and corruption.
There is a generally spread fear that the older generation is becoming a heavy burden on younger and working-age people and this could result in tensions between generations.
Islamic terrorism and the religious fanaticism from which it stems are continuing to spread fear and intolerance.
They mark the neighborhoods they're about to strike to warn their friends and spread fear among everyone else.
China's authoritarianism and Han dominance must not be used as an excuse by Uighur terrorists, some of whom are found as far afield as Guantánamo Bay, to spread fear and violence, as most victims of the recent violence were in fact Han Chinese.
These groups spread fear and confusion in relation to the Lisbon Treaty, deliberately or not, often on issues that are very important but have nothing to do with the Treaty.
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, the nuclear crises in North Korea and Iran have once again spread fear throughout the world and triggered suspicion between nations and peoples.
The more one looks at Jim Garrison, the more one finds... he has destroyed reputations, spread fear and suspicion, and worst of all... exploited this nation's sorrow and doubt.
They spread fear and panic and, worst of all, made the happy family turn on each other.

Alternatives:

incite fear
provoke fear
generate fear
cause fear
fuel fear

instill fear

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used to describe the deliberate act of putting fear into someone or something, often with the intention of controlling or manipulating their behavior.