scare
verb (used with object)
were scaring
-
past progressiveof scare.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
“The police were not protecting the people. They were scaring the people.”
From New York Times ● Nov. 30, 2022
As a city-wide strike kicked off last week, government officials said protests were scaring high-end shoppers and tourists away, threatening growth.
From Reuters ● Aug. 14, 2019
Iran argued that other sanctions - such as those linked to human rights, terrorism and missile development - were scaring off potential investors and banks who feared any business with Iran would lead to punishment.
From Washington Times ● Jun. 6, 2018
A teammate joked with Washington inside linebacker Keenan Robinson that his hard hits, which have included a couple of body slams, were scaring opponents.
From Washington Post ● Sep. 23, 2015
Or: "You must not talk as if you were scaring birds away—we are all equal here."
From Father Payne by Arthur Christopher Benson
