scaremongering
|scare-mon-ger-ing|
🇺🇸
/ˈskɛrˌmʌŋɡərɪŋ/
🇬🇧
/ˈskeəˌmʌŋɡərɪŋ/
(scaremonger)
spreading fear
Etymology
'scaremonger' originates from the combination of 'scare' and 'monger,' where 'scare' meant 'to frighten' and 'monger' referred to a dealer or trader.
'scaremonger' evolved from the Old English word 'scaru' meaning 'fear' and 'mangere' meaning 'merchant,' eventually becoming the modern English word 'scaremonger.'
Initially, it meant 'a person who spreads fear,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'the act of spreading fear.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the act of spreading frightening or ominous reports or rumors to cause public alarm.
The media was accused of scaremongering during the crisis.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:42