Appeal to fear

An appeal to fear is a logical fallacy that occurs when a debater tries to scare people away from an opinion.

The fallacy is an appeal to consequences, an appeal to emotion, and an informal fallacy.

Alternate names

 * argumentum ad metum
 * argumentum in terrorem
 * Believe it or Burn, whether at the stake or in Hell.
 * argument from intimidation
 * scare tactic