scare off

The phrase "scare off" combines the verb 'scare' with the preposition 'off' to describe actions that cause fear or intimidation.

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Definition

B2General

(informal)To make someone or something leave or stay away due to fear.

Example

  • The loud noise scared off the birds.
  • He tried to scare off the intruders with his dog.

B2General

(informal)To discourage someone from doing something by making them afraid or uneasy.

Example

  • The high prices are scaring off potential buyers.
  • Her aggressive demeanor scared off many applicants.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "scare off":

clear offscare upfight offdrive awayward offdrive offkeep awayfend offdraw awayhead offmake offback offgo awaybear offscare lineturn awayshove offwave awayrun offrun awaycrow scarerjump scaremove awayscrew offfreak offbeat offwave offback awayfly offdrive outwalk offwhisk offbuzz offthrow offbrush offbug offmake awaybore off