How to Pronounce "scare straight"
expression
ˈskɛɹ/ /ˈstɹeɪt
SKAIR-STRAYT
skˈeə/ /stɹˈeɪt
SKAIR-STRAYT
Definition
To frighten someone so much that they change their bad behavior or avoid getting into trouble, usually by showing the real dangers of their actions.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈskɛɹ/ /ˈstɹeɪt
British English
skˈeə/ /stɹˈeɪt
Simplified Pronunciation
US
SKAIR-STRAYT
UK
SKAIR-STRAYT
Listen in Context
The police tried to scare straight the troubled teens by showing them a real jail.
Programs that scare straight young people aim to stop crime before it starts.
Sometimes, a visit to court helps to scare straight teenagers at risk.
He thought stealing was cool until the cops tried to scare straight him with stories from real prisoners.