(~s, ~ing, ~ed)
1.
If something or someone ~s you, they cause you to suddenly feel afraid, anxious, or nervous.
He knew that Soli was trying to ~ him, so he smiled to hide his fear...
Most children are ~ed by the sight of blood.
= scare
VERB: V n, V n
2.
If something ~s the life out of you, ~s the wits out of you, or ~s you out of your wits, it causes you to feel suddenly afraid or gives you a very unpleasant shock.
Fairground rides are intended to ~ the life out of you.
PHRASE: V inflects emphasis