What are the definitions of “scare off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Make someone so frightened that he or she away.
The vicious Doberman guard - dog SCARED the burglars AWAY.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “scare off”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb scare off is to make someone or something so frightened that they go away or leave. This can be used to describe situations where a person, animal, or even an event causes fear or discomfort, resulting in someone or something leaving the area.
What are the different verb forms of “scare off”?
| Root Verb | scare off |
| Third Person Singular Present | scares off |
| Present Participle | scaring off |
| Simple Past | scared off |
| Past Participle | scared off |
Example
The loud noise scared off the birds in the garden.
Example
The security guard scares off any potential intruders.
Example
The creepy decorations are scaring off the trick-or-treaters.
Example
The sudden thunderstorm scared off the picnic-goers.
Example
The aggressive dog scared off the mail carrier.
What kind of phrasal verb is “scare off”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“scare off” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
The loud noise scared off the birds.
Example
The security guard scared off the intruders.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“scare off” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The loud noise scared off the birds.
Example
The security guard scared off the intruders.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “scare off”?
To cause competitors to avoid competing with a business or individual due to perceived advantages or strengths.
Example
Their aggressive marketing strategy scared off the competition.
Good things to know
Does “scare off” have an informal or formal tone?
Scare off is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, such as business discussions or news articles.
