This is the 15575th most frequent Polish word.
straszyli
"Straszyli" means "they scared" or "they were scaring" in English.
Here, 'straszyli' is used in the past tense to indicate that someone frightened children.
Dzieci straszyli opowieściami o duchach.
The children were scared with stories about ghosts.
In this sentence, 'straszyli' implies a verbal or implied warning or threat.
Rodzice straszyli dzieci karą, jeśli nie skończą lekcji na czas.
The parents threatened the children with punishment if they didn't finish their homework on time.
Here, 'straszyli' is used to convey an act of intimidation.