fearmongering
/ˈfɪərmʌŋɡərɪŋ/
Definition
The act of spreading alarming or exaggerated claims about a situation to manipulate public perception or promote a specific political agenda.
Etymology
The word is a compound of the Old English 'fær' (sudden danger or fear) and the Middle English 'monger' (a dealer or trader). It implies that the person using these tactics is essentially 'trading' in fear for profit or political gain.
In the news
The article uses the term to suggest that warnings about severe climate-related disasters are exaggerated tactics used to justify burdensome environmental regulations. It characterizes these warnings as a strategy to create unnecessary panic rather than reflecting genuine risks.
California Makes Everyone Else Pay for Its Climate Goals With $2.2 Billion Port Rule
Read the full article ↗townhall.com