1. Literally, to frighten someone or something and cause them to flee. Thankfully, John was able to scare the puma away by shouting and swinging a big stick at it. We've tried to scare the kids away from the old quarry by telling them ghost stories about it.

2. To cause someone or something to depart due to apprehension, displeasure, or uncertainty. The company's CEO has scared investors away with his unpredictable, inflammatory statements. I think his intense desire for a committed relationship may have scared Janet away.