strike fear into

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“I think they should be campaigning on their merits, not their ability to strike fear into the hearts of voters,” said Andie Near, a 42-year-old from Holland, Michigan, who typically votes for Democrats.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 2, 2023

Suddenly we had our primary weapon - a young tearaway who could strike fear into the Australians.

From BBC • May 5, 2023

“The armored trucks, the different uniforms, the humongous guns — all of those strike fear into the heart of the community, even if you are a law-abiding citizen.”

From New York Times • Mar. 4, 2023

Despite the critics’ pretense that it was their duty to strike fear into authors’ hearts, it was all one club.

From Washington Post • Feb. 14, 2023

Phoenix song is magical: it is reputed to increase the courage of the pure of heart and to strike fear into the hearts of the impure.

From "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" by J.K. Rowling