Definition of the word frighten into

The phrase "frighten into" is a phrasal verb, composed of the main verb "frighten" and the preposition "into." The expression has its roots in the Middle English period, around the 14th century, as documented in historical texts. The use of the preposition "into" in this context derives from its original meaning, which was to cause someone to enter or move into a particular place or situation. The phrase then came to describe forcing someone to do something through fear or intimidation, which can be traced back to the 16th century in English literature. The origins of the verb "frighten" itself are multifarious. The Old English word "freghtan" was used to denote a variety of meanings, including making people sad or fearful. This term underwent significant change over time, with Middle English texts using "fryhten" and then "friden" for similar expressions. By the 14th century, "frighten" emerged as the more popular term and has remained relatively unchanged in the centuries since. Thus, "frighten into" is a concise and straightforward expression, drawing on the roots of two key elements - verb and preposition - that have played integral roles in the English language for several centuries.