terrify (one) into (something)

terrify (one) into (something)

1. To cause, compel, or force one to do something through the use of fear or intimidation. The salesperson at the shop terrified me into buying gadget insurance for my new phone. The news report terrified me into changing the passwords for all my online accounts.

2. To cause one to enter into some state because of extreme fear. My husband's horrible outburst terrified me into a stunned silence. The horrible image onscreen terrified the children in the audience into hysteric tears.

See also: terrify

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

terrify someone into something

 and terrorize someone into something

to threaten or frighten someone into doing something. The salesman is just trying to terrify you into buying a new car by saying the one you have is dangerous. They tried to terrorize people into staying off the streets.

See also: terrify

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.