Frighten into doing

phrasal verb

To force or scare someone into doing something they don't want to do by making them afraid.

The burglars frightened the old man into giving them his money.
Visual representation of "frighten into doing" - To force or scare someone into doing something they don't want to do by making them afraid

Often appears as...

  • frighten into compliance
  • frighten into submission
phrasal verb

To force or scare someone into doing something they don't want to do by making them afraid.

The burglars frightened the old man into giving them his money.
Visual representation of "frighten into doing" - To force or scare someone into doing something they don't want to do by making them afraid

Often appears as...

  • frighten into compliance
  • frighten into submission
Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "frighten into doing"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Negative Emotion

Using 'frighten into doing' suggests a strong negative emotion inducing action. It's more intense than just persuading or convincing.

Illustration for Negative Emotion
The thunderstorm frightened the campers into packing up.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Lack of Consent

'Frighten into doing' implies that the action is against the person's will and is not a choice made freely.

Illustration for Lack of Consent
The fierce dog frightened the jogger into changing his route.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Power Dynamics

This phrase often suggests a power imbalance between the person frightening and the person being frightened.

Illustration for Power Dynamics
The boss frightened the employees into working overtime.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Negative Emotion

Using 'frighten into doing' suggests a strong negative emotion inducing action. It's more intense than just persuading or convincing.

Illustration for Negative Emotion
The thunderstorm frightened the campers into packing up.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Lack of Consent

'Frighten into doing' implies that the action is against the person's will and is not a choice made freely.

Illustration for Lack of Consent
The fierce dog frightened the jogger into changing his route.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Power Dynamics

This phrase often suggests a power imbalance between the person frightening and the person being frightened.

Illustration for Power Dynamics
The boss frightened the employees into working overtime.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Negative Emotion

Using 'frighten into doing' suggests a strong negative emotion inducing action. It's more intense than just persuading or convincing.

Illustration for Negative Emotion
The thunderstorm frightened the campers into packing up.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Lack of Consent

'Frighten into doing' implies that the action is against the person's will and is not a choice made freely.

Illustration for Lack of Consent
The fierce dog frightened the jogger into changing his route.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Power Dynamics

This phrase often suggests a power imbalance between the person frightening and the person being frightened.

Illustration for Power Dynamics
The boss frightened the employees into working overtime.
Visual representation of the word "Frighten into doing"

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