intimidate
Americanverb (used with object)
verb
-
to make timid or frightened; scare
-
to discourage, restrain, or silence illegally or unscrupulously, as by threats or blackmail
Related Words
See discourage.
Other Word Forms
- intimidating adjective
- intimidation noun
- intimidator noun
- intimidatory adjective
Etymology
Origin of intimidate
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
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“It can feel awkward, scary and maybe intimidating. But you have nothing to lose. If it’s not for you, you can always stop.”
From MarketWatch
A war trumpet was used by Celtic tribes across Europe to intimidate their enemies and to inspire and direct warriors during battle.
From BBC
With dour, even gloomy-looking, early 20th Century buildings surrounded by busy, drab roads and large, intimidating metal gates, it has a very discreet feel.
From BBC
The author notes that military experts view the ships as unsuited to current and emerging strategic threats, and that the program appears designed primarily to create an intimidating appearance rather than address genuine naval challenges.
From Los Angeles Times
I just looked at Chloe over his shoulder, beelined right to her, and snuggled up next to her on the couch, because I was so intimidated,” she said.
From Los Angeles Times
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
