scarehead
/ˈskɛrˌhɛd/
noun
- A newspaper headline designed to alarm or excite readers, often using sensational language.
- The tabloid ran a scarehead reading "City Under Attack!" even though it was just a minor storm.
- She ignored the scarehead and read the article carefully to find the real facts.
- Editors sometimes use a scarehead to boost sales, even if the story is not that dramatic.