I think the unknown is the most terrifying part in these stories. When something strange happens like unexplained noises or apparitions (even if it's just a false alarm), it really gets to people. There was a story where a strange knocking sound came from the cargo hold and no one knew what it was. The passengers were all very frightened as the crew tried to figure out the source.
The most terrifying part is often the power of the acid to quickly and destructively dissolve things. Just the thought of a substance that can eat through metal or flesh in a matter of seconds is really scary.
In many scary rescue stories, the time pressure is terrifying. For example, in a rescue from a sinking car. The water is rising fast, and the rescuers have only a short time to break the window and get the people out. Every second counts, and the fear of not making it in time is huge.
The fact that skeletons are often associated with death and the afterlife makes them terrifying. In many stories, they carry a sense of doom. They might be the remains of someone who died horribly, and their appearance can be a sign of something bad about to happen. For instance, if a skeleton shows up in a person's dream in these stories, it usually means that death is near. Also, the way they move in some stories, like their jerky, rattling movements, is really spooky.
The feeling of vulnerability. When an intruder is in your home, your safe space is violated. In many stories, the victims are often alone or outnumbered, like a single mother with young children facing an intruder. It's terrifying because they might not be able to protect themselves fully.
The isolation is often terrifying. Like when Caillou is trapped in the abandoned house, he's all alone with no one to help. That feeling of being on your own in a scary situation is really frightening.
Strange and unexplained phenomena are also very scary. For example, seeing unknown objects on sonar or experiencing forces that seem to be pulling the submarine. In the story where the object was erratically moving and pulling the sub towards it, not knowing what it is or what it can do creates a great sense of fear. There's also the fear of the unknown depths of the ocean and what might be lurking there.
The suddenness. In most cases, the attack comes without much warning. Just like in the bear attack story, the bear charged out of nowhere. One moment everything was calm, and the next, a large and dangerous animal was upon you.
The most terrifying part is often the unexpected appearance of the ghost. For example, when you turn around and suddenly see a ghostly figure right behind you. It's that sudden shock that gets to you.
The uncertainty is the most terrifying part. You don't know if there's a real threat or not. For example, in a lockdown because of an unconfirmed intruder report, students just have to wait and wonder if someone dangerous is actually in the school.
The most terrifying part is often the unknown. In these stories, you don't know what's lurking in the dark corners of the mansion. It could be a ghost, a demon, or some otherworldly entity. Just the anticipation of something scary popping out at any moment can send shivers down your spine.