intimidation

American  

[in-tim-i-dey-shuhn] / ɪnˌtɪm ɪˈdeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act of inducing fear or awe.

   The true motive of most street harassment is intimidation.

2. the act or process of attempting to force or deter an action by inducing fear.

   She spoke passionately about the violence and intimidation suffered by African Americans in Mississippi seeking to register to vote.

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Etymology

Origin of intimidation

intimid(ate) ( def. ) + -ation ( def. )

Explanation

Intimidation is when you try to frighten a weaker person into doing what you want. You might use intimidation to get your brother to mow the lawn for you. Intimidation can refer to the act of making someone feel timid or afraid — like what you sometimes do to your brother — or it can also refer to that fearful feeling itself. Intimidation might make members of a jury hesitate to convict a defendant. Intimidation can also refer to feeling threatened, discouraged, or afraid because you're facing something stronger or superior. You might feel a sense of intimidation right before your soccer team plays the undefeated state champs.

Example Sentences

The convicted man took the case to the Supreme Court, arguing that there had been no violence or intimidation in his interaction with the woman.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

"The UK does not stand for intimidation of British embassy staff and their families," the British spokesperson added.

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

Unnoticed, the language of nuclear intimidation is again a currency in international conflict.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 13, 2026

Journalists must be able to report without intimidation.

From Salon • Mar. 7, 2026

According to MI6 protocol, Mother had three options: cancel the operation, move to a different location, or use intimidation to get rid of Paris.

From "City Spies" by James Ponti

Related Words

• coercion