Definition

A person who spreads fear or panic by sharing alarming information or rumors, often without good reason.

Example

The scaremonger spread false information about the storm, causing unnecessary panic in the community.

Conversation

Have you heard about that new scaremonger spreading rumors around town?

Yeah, I saw it on social media — it's crazy how people believe everything they read.

I just wish people would stop listening to that scaremonger and think for themselves.

Exactly! It only creates unnecessary panic in our community.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Scaremonger is formed from "scare" (from Old Norse *skera*, meaning to frighten) and "monger" (from Old English *mangere*, meaning dealer or trader). The word describes someone who spreads fear or panic, essentially a dealer in fear.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who 'deals' ('monger') in 'frightening' ('scare') information — that's why a scaremonger is someone who spreads fear.

Visually Confused Words