What is another word for scaring the pants off?
Pronunciation: [skˈe͡əɹɪŋ ðə pˈants ˈɒf] (IPA) 
Scaring the pants off someone is an idiom that means to scare someone a lot or to make them very frightened. There are numerous synonyms for this phrase that can be used to convey the same meaning. Some common synonyms for scaring the pants off include alarming, terrifying, frightening, startling, panicking, petrifying, shocking, spooking, unnerving, and haunting. These synonyms can also be combined with other words to create additional alternatives. For instance, the phrase "scaring the life out of" is a variant of scaring the pants off that is sometimes used. Regardless of which synonym is used, it is clear that the goal is to evoke a strong emotional response of fear or unease in the listener or reader.
