Definition & Meaning of "[scare] the (living|) crap out of {sb}"

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

The origin of the idiom "scare the crap out of someone" is rooted in informal and colloquial language. The use of "scare" to convey fear is a common concept, while the inclusion of "the crap out of someone" is an idiomatic expression that emerged as a way to emphasize the intensity or extremity of the scare. This phrase is commonly employed to depict moments of fear, surprise, or shock that elicit a strong and immediate reaction.