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Phrasal verbs "scare away" vs "scare off"

Differences between scare away and scare off

Scare away and scare off are very similar in meaning, but scare off is usually used when the subject being scared away is a person or an animal, while scare away can be used for both animate and inanimate objects.

Meanings and Definitions: scare away vs scare off

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Scare away

  • 1Frighten someone some much that they go away.

    The cat SCARED the birds AWAY.

Scare off

  • 1Make someone so frightened that he or she away.

    The vicious Doberman guard - dog SCARED the burglars AWAY.

Usage Examples: scare away, scare off in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

scare away

Example

The dog scared away the intruder.

Example

She scares away the pigeons from her garden.

scare off

Example

The loud noise scared off the birds in the garden.

Example

The security guard scares off any potential intruders.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Scare away

drive away

To force someone or something to leave a place or situation.

Example

The loud music from the party next door drove away all the neighbors who were trying to sleep.

chase away

To pursue or follow someone or something in order to make them leave.

Example

The guard dog chased away the intruders who were trying to break into the house.

ward off

To prevent or avoid something unpleasant or harmful from happening.

Example

She wore mosquito repellent to ward off the insects during her camping trip.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Scare off

deter from

To discourage or prevent someone from doing something.

Example

The warning signs on the fence were meant to deter people from trespassing on private property.

frighten away

To cause someone or something to flee or retreat due to fear.

Example

The loud noise from the fireworks frightened away the birds that were nesting in the tree.

repel

To drive back or keep away someone or something by force.

Example

The strong smell of the cleaning solution repelled the ants from entering the kitchen.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “scare”

Phrasal Verbs with “off”

Differences in scare away vs scare off: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: scare away or scare off?

Both phrases are commonly used in everyday conversation, but scare off is slightly more common than scare away. This is because scare off is often used in situations where someone or something needs to be deterred from doing something, such as scaring off a burglar or a stray dog. Scare away is also used in similar situations, but it's not as common as scare off.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of scare away and scare off

Both scare away and scare off are informal phrases that are suitable for casual conversations with friends and family. They are not appropriate for formal settings like business or academic contexts. In those situations, it's better to use alternative expressions that convey a more professional tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of scare away and scare off

The tone of scare away and scare off can differ based on context. Scare off often carries a defensive or protective tone when related to deterring people or animals, while scare away typically has a more general and neutral tone, especially when referring to inanimate objects.

scare away & scare off: Synonyms and Antonyms

Scare away

Synonyms

Scare off

Synonyms

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