Fear

Fear (also known as fright) is a basic emotion experienced by humans and animals when confronted with genuine or perceived danger. It is a rapid response involving both body and mind: sudden increase in heart rate, quickened breathing, muscle tension, and heightened alertness.

Fear serves a protective function: it prepares people to flee from danger, confront it, or freeze. Ordinary fear differs from anxiety (which is typically linked to vague or future-oriented threats).

Physical response mechanisms

When danger is perceived, parts of the brain—particularly the amygdala—trigger a rapid response. The sympathetic nervous system activates the release of hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. The result is increased blood flow to muscles, dilated pupils, and sharpened hearing. This is commonly called the 'fight or flight' response.

Learned and innate fear

Some fear-inducing things appear to be innate, such as fear of heights or sudden loud noises. Others are learned through experience and culture: children acquire from parents and their surroundings what is considered dangerous. For this reason, fear responses vary across cultures and time periods.

When fear becomes disorder

When fear becomes severe, persistent, and disproportionate to actual danger, it may be classified as a phobia. Common examples include fear of confined spaces, particular animals or plants, or social situations. Well-established treatments include cognitive-behavioural therapy and gradual exposure to the fear-inducing stimulus.