mongering

[mong-ger-ing, muhng-]

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.

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of mongering¹

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

But in his majority opinion, Chief Justice John Roberts dismissed such concerns as “fear mongering on the basis of extreme hypotheticals about a future where the President ‘feels empowered to violate federal criminal law.’”

From Salon

Nazarian said that immigration agents appearing at the tiny home village would be a “fear mongering” tactic.

From Los Angeles Times

X’s algorithm punishes journalism by promoting its antithesis in fake news and rumor mongering.

From Salon

“Most of this is being caused by misinformation and fear mongering from dishonest politicians, social media, immigration activists and even disingenuous headlines from the media.”

From Los Angeles Times

A lawyer for Mr Stafford said on Tuesday that the government's claim he was dangerous was "rank speculation and fear mongering", because the suspect had no criminal record.

From BBC