scare-head(ing)

Definition

Noun: - sensational headline: A "scare-head(ing)" refers to a newspaper headline designed to provoke alarm, excitement, or fear in readers, often exaggerating the content of the story to attract attention.

Usage Examples
  • (A sensational headline intended to cause worry.)
  • (Exaggerated headlines used to increase readership.)
Advanced Usage

  • "to run a scare-heading": to publish a headline that is deliberately alarming.

    • The newspaper ran a scare-heading about the impending storm, though the weather forecast was mild. (They printed a frightening headline despite the lack of danger.)

  • "scare-head(ing) technique": the journalistic practice of using sensational titles to manipulate reader emotions.

    • The scare-heading technique is criticized for spreading misinformation and causing unnecessary panic. (The method of using alarming headlines.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Scarehead (n): a shortened form of "scare-heading," meaning the same thing.

    • The scarehead on the front page made everyone think the city was under attack. (A sensational headline.)

  • Scaremongering (n): the act of spreading alarming or frightening stories, often for political or commercial gain.

    • The politician was accused of scaremongering after issuing a series of scare-headings about immigration. (Spreading fear through exaggerated claims.)
Synonyms
  • Sensational headline: a headline meant to shock or excite.
  • Alarmist headline: a headline that causes unnecessary worry.
  • Clickbait: online content designed to attract clicks, often with misleading or exaggerated titles (though typically digital, it overlaps in intent).
Related Idioms

  • "Make headlines": to attract significant media attention.

    • The celebrity's scandal made headlines for weeks, but the scare-heading exaggerated the details. (Gained widespread news coverage.)

  • "Headline-grabbing": describing actions or statements intended to attract public attention.

    • The politician's scare-heading statement was purely headline-grabbing, with little substance behind it. (Designed to dominate news coverage.)
Notes on Usage
  • "Scare-head(ing)" is a compound noun, primarily used in journalism and media criticism. It is less common in everyday conversation but well-understood in contexts discussing sensationalist press. The term often carries a negative connotation, implying manipulation or dishonesty.