scare tactics

American  

[skair tak-tiks] / ˈskɛər ˌtæk tɪks /

Also scare tactic

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.

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Etymology

Origin of scare tactics

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

"But it's hard to ignore that Anthropic has a history of scare tactics."

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

“This is nothing but scare tactics to get people out of the race,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 21, 2026

"This is exactly the risk right now here in Moldova," the prime minister says, justifying using such scare tactics.

From BBC • Sep. 26, 2025

“Those programs were scare tactics, right?” said Sanho, who was a student activist when the government first invited “Officer Friendly or Not-So-Friendly” to come into the classroom.

From Salon • Mar. 15, 2025

“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 "Ready Player One: A Novel" by Ernest Cline