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

Intimidation is the enemy of curiosity, and anyone Lynch’s work has touched knows that all it takes is a little nudge over the threshold to fall headfirst into his world.

From Salon • Jan. 25, 2025

He told the audience the other side of the TV cameras and radio microphones that Intimidation, extremism, and the projection of offensive slogans onto parliamentary buildings had gone too far.

From BBC • Mar. 1, 2024

Intimidation isn’t something I’ve felt in a dispensary setting for a very long time.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 14, 2022

To criminalize online voter suppression, Congress should consider the Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act.

From Slate • Jun. 1, 2021

It was all part of the rite, all part of the image, all part of the Intimidation Trip.

From "Friday Night Lights: A Town, A Team, And A Dream" by H.G. Bissinger

Related Words

• coercion