The story nearly 'frightened me to death'. = The story nearly 'frightened the life out of' me. [=the story frightened me very badly]
The insurance agent tried to 'frighten' her 'into' buying the most expensive flood insurance.
Bad economic news has 'frightened' people 'out of' putting their money in the stock market.
(..) She has to stay here and learn. Learn what? Fighting and obstinacy? To learn not to be a coward like you who gives in so easily. He knows who to frighten. Why doesn't he threaten me? Yes, I'm a coward. Your whole life, instead of solving problems, you've either run away (..)2011 A Separation