scare tactics

[ skair tak-tiks ]

plural noun

1. a strategy to get someone to comply or surrender by making them afraid:

   Scare tactics won't keep kids from using drugs, says this social worker.

   In this telemarketing scam, perpetrators use the threat of a computer meltdown as a scare tactic to get victims to send money.

Word History and Origins

Origin of scare tactics¹

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

Abortion advocates say Mitchell’s lawsuits are meant as scare tactics, and stress that crossing states lines for abortions remains legal.

From Seattle Times

“Do you mind skipping the scare tactics and the head games? Just tell me the details of your offer. I have other matters to attend to.”

From Literature

But night doctors weren’t just fictions conjured as scare tactics.

From Literature