terrify (one) out of (something or some place)

terrify (one) out of (something or some place)

1. To cause, compel, or force one to leave something or some place through the use of fear or intimidation. Marauders have been terrifying local residents out of their homes. The fear of infection from the deadly disease has terrified thousands of people out of the region.2. To cause, compel, or force one not to do something because of extreme fear. The thought of what would happen if the parachute failed to open has terrified me out of ever wanting to go skydiving. The news report terrified me out of traveling anywhere on an airplane.See also: of, out, terrify