be frightened out of (one's) wits

be frightened out of (one's) wits

To be shocked or scared very suddenly and/or severely. Hyperbolically alludes to frightening one so severely as to cause them to lose their mind. I was frightened out of my wits when you snuck up on me like that!

See also: frighten, of, out, wit

be frightened (or scared) out of your wits

be extremely frightened.

See also: frighten, of, out, wit