Intimidate

/ɪnˈtɪmɪˌdeɪt/

Meaning & Definition

verb

to make someone feel frightened or overawed, especially in order to make them do what one wants.

The bully tried to intimidate the younger students by threatening them.

to discourage or frighten someone from taking action by instilling fear.

She felt intimidated by the competitive atmosphere of the examination room.

to create a sense of fear or dread in someone as a method of control.

His aggressive demeanor was intended to intimidate his opponents in the meeting.

Late Middle English: from Latin 'intimidat-', the past participle of 'intimidare', from 'in-' (in, into) + 'timere' (to fear).

intimidate someone into doing something

to scare someone into compliance or action

intimidating presence

a person who naturally creates fear or awe in others

don't be intimidated

a phrase encouraging someone not to allow fear to stop them

fear

an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous

terrorize

to create a state of extreme fear in a victim

harass

to subject someone to aggressive pressure or intimidation

to freak someone out

The way he bragged about his connections really freaked me out.

to scare off

She told me to act tough so that they wouldn't scare us off.