This is the 11336th most frequent Spanish word.
espantar
To frighten or scare.
Here, 'espantar' is used in the context of scaring or causing fear (specifically, to frighten away birds).
El ruido fuerte puede espantar a los pájaros del árbol.
The loud noise can frighten the birds off the tree.
In this sentence, 'espantar' conveys the act of scaring away others (e.g., intruders) as intimidation.
Una máscara aterradora está hecha para espantar a los intrusos.
A scary mask is made to scare away intruders.
'Espantar' reflects metaphorical usage to denote scaring away or alienating individuals due to inappropriate behavior.