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

Mr Ahmed also said the OfS was "ready to act" to punish universities for not protecting academics and students from harassment and intimidation from foreign dictatorships.

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Melanie Phillips, a columnist for the Times of London, says the attack in Manchester “took place against the backdrop of two years of demonization, incitement and intimidation directed at the Jewish community.”

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Democrats criticize the plan, citing concerns about healthcare cuts affecting millions of Americans and calling it an attempt at intimidation.

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It is not the first time Alliance party representatives have complained of intimidation.

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Meanwhile, the area’s wealthy power brokers are also moving to silence the Tulsa press in whatever way they can, whether via lawsuits or physical intimidation.

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Related Words

• coercion