Definition & Meaning of "scare somebody straight"

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

The origin of the idiom "scare someone straight" can be traced back to the concept of using fear as a motivating factor for behavioral change. This expression is frequently used in conversations about parenting, education, correctional systems, or intervention programs, where the goal is to inspire a significant scare or shock in order to prompt a person to change their ways and adopt a more responsible or law-abiding path