intimidating

[ in-tim-i-dey-ting ]

adjective

1. Sometimes in·tim·i·da·to·ry []. intended to frighten someone or to force or stop someone’s action through fear:

   We will not be sucked in to your macho agenda by intimidating threats of violence or seductive promises of power.

2. causing timidity, hesitancy, or anxiety, especially because of difficulty or risk; daunting:

   The day-to-day operations of the healthcare environment can be overwhelming and intimidating to the point of paralysis.

3. causing someone to feel overawed or cowed, as through force of personality or superior display of wealth, talent, rank, etc.:

   All the others had gone to Harvard or Yale, and I was just a country hick; it was intimidating, for sure.

Other Words From

• un·in·tim·i·dat·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of intimidating¹

intimidat(e) ( def ) + -ing ²( def )

Example Sentences

Staff say the area has become dangerous and intimidating, and that despite reporting thefts to police on an almost daily basis, nothing has been done.

From BBC

Actual antagonistic and intimidating shows of force were increasing, too, if subtly.

From Salon

But I won’t lie, in the beginning, it was extremely intimidating.

From Los Angeles Times

For an outsider like me their size is intimidating enough, but multiplying that feeling is the knowledge that there's no driver at the wheel.

From BBC

From well before his entry into politics, Trump has been single-minded in intimidating and exacting retribution against his opponents.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• aggressive
• frightening
• terrifying