intimidation

[ in-tim-i-dey-shuhn ]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of intimidation¹

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

Example Sentences

The result would be what one expert called “transformation by intimidation.”

From Los Angeles Times

In the background, the older workers negotiate with the overseer for better pay by threatening to strike, and suffer his threats and intimidation.

From New York Times

Some say they receive intimidation and abuse if they try to apprehend thieves.

From BBC

At a recent Board of Trustees meeting, around a dozen Black students expressed their concerns about the rally, saying they were subjected to harassment, intimidation and racial slurs.

From Los Angeles Times

In particular, Mr Rangarajan said he was concerned at unacceptable levels of intimidation and harassment directed at women and candidates from ethnic minority backgrounds.

From BBC

Related Words

• coercion