تعریف و معنای "[scare] {sb} witless"

What is the origin of the idiom "scare someone witless" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "scare someone witless" is not definitively known, but it can be traced back to the use of the word "witless" to describe someone who is devoid of wit or intelligence. It is typically used in informal conversations or storytelling to describe moments or situations that evoke an extreme and paralyzing fear in someone.