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.

McCollum described it as "a senseless act of intimidation", which was "designed to strike fear into this community".

From BBC • Oct. 21, 2025

Finally, under first-year defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn, they have a defense that can strike fear into their opponents.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 2, 2024

“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

“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

Evidently my function in life is to strike fear into the hearts of those who love me.

From "Everything, Everything" by Nicola Yoon