Fear

Fear is an emotion induced by a perceived threat that causes animals to move quickly away from the location of the perceived threat, and sometimes hide. It is a basic survival mechanism occurring in response to a specific stimulus, such as pain or the threat of danger. In short, fear is the ability to recognize danger leading to an urge to confront it or flee from it (also known as the fight-or-flight response) but in extreme cases of fear (horror and terror) a freeze or paralysis response is possible. Some psychologists such as John B. Watson, Robert Plutchik, and Paul Ekman have suggested that there is only a small set of basic or innate emotions and that fear is one of them. This hypothesized set includes such emotions as joy, sadness, and anger. Fear should be distinguished from the emotion anxiety, which typically occurs without any certain or immediate external threat.

Fear is frequently related to the specific behaviors of escape and avoidance, whereas anxiety is the result of threats which are perceived to be uncontrollable or unavoidable. It is worth noting that fear almost always relates to future events, such as worsening of a situation, or continuation of a situation that is unacceptable. Fear can also be an instant reaction to something presently happening. All people have an instinctual response to potential danger, which is in fact important to the survival of all species. The reactions elicited from fear are seen through advantages in evolution.

Read more about Fear:  Common Fears, Causes, Diagnosing Fear, Fear in The Amygdala, The Absence of Fear, Fears in Culture, Fear of Death, Fear of The Unknown, Overcoming Fear

Famous quotes containing the word fear:

    As soon as men know that they can kill without fear of punishment or blame, they kill; or at least they encourage killers with approving smiles.
    Simone Weil (1909–1943)

    To have a great man for a friend seems pleasant to those who have never tried it; those who have, fear it.
    Horace [Quintus Horatius Flaccus] (65–8 B.C.)

    It is a base thing for a man among the people not to obey those in command. Never in a state can the laws be well administered when fear does not stand firm.
    Sophocles (497–406/5 B.C.)