Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Tariffs have raised costs and forced companies to increase prices, but in doing so, they have scared off some customers.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 26, 2025

"But later, with the video, I realised that it actually appeared before me in such a huge size that perhaps if I had seen it, it would have scared me even more."

From BBC • Feb. 14, 2025

At the time, USC coach Lincoln Riley, who said he would seek a quarterback in the transfer portal, joked that Moss’ performance “may have scared off anybody that would want to come here anyway.”

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 5, 2024

“All of the things that have happened in the last five, seven years that have scared people off of comedy are for good reason. These are good changes,” Farrelly said.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 6, 2024

If only the robot had swung her fists or kicked her feet, she could have scared them off.

From "The Wild Robot" by Peter Brown