intimidate

[ in-tim-i-deyt ]

verb (used with object)

, in·tim·i·dat·ed, in·tim·i·dat·ing.

1. to make timid; fill with fear.

   Synonyms: terrify, daunt, subdue, frighten

   Antonyms: calm

2. to overawe or cow, as through the force of personality or by superior display of wealth, talent, etc.
3. to force into or deter from some action by inducing fear:

   to intimidate a voter into staying away from the polls.

   Antonyms: encourage

intimidate

/ ɪnˈtɪmɪˌdeɪt /

verb

1. to make timid or frightened; scare
2. to discourage, restrain, or silence illegally or unscrupulously, as by threats or blackmail

Derived Forms

• inˈtimiˌdator, noun
• inˌtimiˈdation, noun
• inˈtimiˌdating, adjective

Other Words From

• in·tim·i·da·tion [in-tim-i-, dey, -sh, uh, n] noun
• in·tim·i·da·tor noun
• in·tim·i·da·to·ry [in-, tim, -i-d, uh, -tawr-ee], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of intimidate¹

First recorded in 1640–50; from Medieval Latin intimidātus, past participle of intimidāre “to make afraid,” equivalent to Latin in- verb-formative prefix + timid(us) “afraid” + -ātus past participle suffix; in- ², timid, -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of intimidate¹

C17: from Medieval Latin intimidāre, from Latin in- ² + timidus fearful, from timor fear

Synonym Study

See discourage.

Example Sentences

Do expect them to pressure agencies that contract with Musk’s companies, and to intimidate those offices that are either investigating or suing said companies.

From Slate

Since 1969, Republicans have railed against the “liberal media,” deploying a “complaint machine” to intimidate and guilt-trip the press.

From Salon

White is no stranger to efforts to intimidate her.

From Los Angeles Times

They intimidate their way into the lead roles and bring a fresh perspective to the material.

From Los Angeles Times

Unfortunately, it is common in Nigeria for officials and other "big men" to use their power to intimidate ordinary citizens with the familiar phrase: "Do you know who I am?" - a reminder of the untouchable status they believe they hold.

From BBC

Related Words

• alarm
• awe
• bully
• coerce
• constrain
• daunt
• dishearten
• dismay
• scare
• subdue
• terrify
• terrorize