fearmonger
|fear-mong-er|
🇺🇸
/ˈfɪrˌmʌŋɡər/
🇬🇧
/ˈfɪəˌmʌŋɡə/
arousing fear
Etymology
'fearmonger' is formed in English from 'fear' and 'monger,' where 'monger' means 'seller' or 'promoter.'
'Monger' comes from Old English 'mangere' meaning 'merchant' or 'trader.' The compound 'fearmonger' appeared in modern English to describe someone who promotes fear.
Initially, 'monger' referred to a seller or trader, but in compounds like 'fearmonger,' it evolved to mean someone who spreads or promotes something, in this case, fear.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person who spreads fear, often by exaggerating dangers or threats, especially for personal or political gain.
The politician was accused of being a fearmonger during the campaign.
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Verb 1
to spread fear, especially by exaggerating dangers or threats.
Some media outlets fearmonger about new diseases.
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Last updated: 2025/08/06 00:14