Absolutely it can spread. Many times people panic just because the person next to them has panicked. Anxiety is a contagious condition.
fascism
They feared the spread of Communism
In this context, "to propagate" means to spread fear or promote fear among others. The phrase "refusal to propagate fear" suggests a decision not to contribute to the spreading of fear.
they feared that if communism spread it would continue to spread and possibly start another world war
The effect of the cold war on politics is the fear that communism would spread in to United States.
They did it out of fear that the rebellion might spread.
Attempt to embarrass the US Government and its allies and spread fear
Nat Turner
Attempt to embarrass the US Government and its allies and spread fear.
The Red scare was the fear of the spread of communism during the cold war.
The fear of the spread of Communism. That Communists would take over the U.S. government
Fear of Nuclear War Fight against Communism / Spread of Communism