Instilling fear in someone is a common tactic used to manipulate or control them. The term INSTILL FEAR IN can be broken down into two crossword solutions: SCARE (5 letters) and DAUNT (5 letters). SCARE is defined as to fill with sudden fear or terror, while DAUNT is defined as to intimidate or frighten someone into submission. Both words are used to describe the act of instilling fear in someone, but they have slightly different connotations. SCARE implies a more sudden and intense fear, while DAUNT implies a more prolonged and intimidating fear.