frighten into doing

frighten (one) into (something)

1. To scare or intimidate one into doing something. The clap of thunder frightened Katie into jumping out of her chair. The threat of snow frightened me into staying home.2. To scare or intimidate one into entering some place or thing. I had to frighten the dog back into the house—we were already running late, and she wasn't listening to any of my commands. Frighten the children into the school, do you whatever you have to do—just get them inside before this storm hits3. To scare one into a particular emotional state. Don't let Betsy watch a horror movie—they always frighten her into a whimpering mess.See also: frighten

frighten (someone or an animal) into doing something

to threaten someone or an animal into doing something. You can't frighten me into leaving! Let's try to frighten the coyotes into running away.See also: frighten