mongering

American  

[mong-ger-ing, muhng-] / ˈmɒŋ gər ɪŋ, ˈmʌŋ- /

noun

1. the act or practice of promoting, spreading, or trading in a specified thing (usually used in combination).

   Government officials were creating an atmosphere of insecurity with rumors and fear-mongering.

   Almost 80% of the women here are involved in fishing, particularly in processing and fish-mongering.

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adjective

1. promoting, spreading, or trading in a specified thing (usually used in combination).

   During World War II the Irish Times was prevented by Irish censors from publishing warmongering propaganda on behalf of the British.

Etymology

Origin of mongering

First recorded in 1580–90 mongering for def. 2 and in 1805–10 mongering for def. 1; monger ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. ) for the noun; monger ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. ) for the adjective

Example Sentences

It may be a little too early to call "green shoots", but it is also the case that the doom mongering about the UK economy has been overdone too.

From BBC • Feb. 25, 2026

“The fear mongering and sensationalism was absolutely pathetic by Saturday night, it was obvious that it had downgraded to a tropical storm, yet the media, the weather channel, etc.…”

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 21, 2023

The coffee chain also denied that it had banned Pride decorations, calling the allegation "blatant fear mongering" by the union, according to the letter.

From Reuters • Jun. 26, 2023

There is a lot of fear mongering when it comes to mushrooms.

From Salon • Mar. 22, 2022

Chess Federation made a motion to ban him from its organization; and players—and even some of his closest friends—who’d forgiven his 1992 hate mongering in Yugoslavia, were now totally incensed.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady