Frighten away Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Physical Presence Suggests the subject physically leaves due to fear, not just losing interest or avoiding it. The cat's hissing frightened away the curious puppy. Pro Tip 2/3Immediate Effect Implies a quick reaction, the subject quickly moves away following the frightening event. The sudden thunderclap frightened away the crowd. Pro Tip 3/3Unexpected Disturbance Often used when something calm or peaceful is disrupted by a frightening factor. A loud bang frightened away the peaceful deer grazing in the meadow.