Use 'frighten off' to describe actions that are hostile or aggressive enough to repel someone.

Threatening Tone

'Frighten off' implies a deliberate action to make others avoid a person or place.

Active Deterrence

Sometimes 'frighten off' is used figuratively, meaning to discourage without causing literal fear.

'Frighten off' can refer to more subtle ways of turning someone away, not just obvious scariness.

The phrase can highlight the emotional impact of being deterred by fear or discomfort.

Use 'frighten off' to show the unintended consequence of actions or decisions that push people away.