intimidate

[in-tim-i-deyt]

verb (used with object)

intimidated, intimidating 

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

Other Word Forms

• intimidation noun
• intimidator noun
• intimidatory adjective
• intimidating 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

China is a "great nation that is never intimidated by any bullies", he declared.

From BBC

That doesn’t mean that modern moviegoing should be intimidating, only that it’s malleable, and that you can be just as flexible with the films you see.

From Salon

Sir Nick accused Vance of an "outrageous double standard" for attacking UK free speech laws while trying to "intimidate and bully" critics.

From BBC

"There's more peace walls here in north Belfast, but that does not give anybody the excuse to go out and intimidate and cause this harm," he said.

From BBC

Ch Insp Mullan said: "There is no place in our society for this type of intimidating behaviour and we will continue to engage with local representatives and partner agencies around community safety."

From BBC

Related Words

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