frighten / scare / terrify sb out of one's wits

/fɹˈaɪtən skˈeə tˈɛɹɪfˌaɪ ˌɛsbˈiː ˌaʊtəv wˈɒnz wˈɪts/

/fɹˈaɪʔn̩ skˈɛɹ tˈɛɹɪfˌaɪ ˌɛsbˈiː ˌaʊɾəv wˈʌnz wˈɪts/

[phrase]

to frighten / scare / terrify sb out of one's wits

[PHRASE]

to do something that makes someone really scared

to [frighten|scare|terrify] {sb} out of {one's} wits definition and meaning

What is the origin of the idiom "frighten someone out of one's wits" and when to use it?

The phrase "frighten someone out of one's wits" is thought to have originated in the 16th century. It is believed to be a reference to the practice of witches and wizards using magic to frighten people. This idiom is commonly used in various situations where someone experiences a severe or overwhelming level of fear. It can describe situations such as horror movies that elicit intense fright, witnessing a life-threatening event, encountering a sudden and unexpected danger, or being startled by a terrifying surprise.

Examples

1. He terrified the wits out of Lord Lyvenden.

2. Don't sneak up on me like that, you scared the wits out of me!

3. I've had quite enough of him, especially as he is always terrifying me out of my wits, threatening to beat and even kill me.

4. The tree crashed through the conservatory and set off all the alarms, which joined with the sound of the gale to scare me out of my wits.

Nearby words