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

On other occasions, people have run alongside me to try to intimidate me.

From BBC

There seems to be a fear of inclusion because audiences have been radicalized against us and executives are intimidated to stick their necks out for what they know is right.

From Los Angeles Times

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

On Nov. 7, Garratt wrote on Facebook that pro-Trump students “harassed & intimidated many other non-maga students and specifically targeted the class where the Black Student Union was meeting, yelling all kinds of racial slurs.”

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Salon

Related Words

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