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

“Wave pools are doing the same thing, lowering the barrier to entry for people to get into surfing in a controlled, safe environment that’s not as intimidating as the ocean, that’s predictable and consistent.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

One, after making a new group of friends who never accepted me, advised me to try not to be “scary” and “intimidating” when I observed that I didn’t find these people to be welcoming.

Read more on Salon

The court heard that earlier in the day her co-workers noticed Majek staring at her and other colleagues, in a manner described as "intimidating, scary and spooky".

Read more on BBC

“We will not be intimidated by politically motivated fear tactics,” Pelosi said.

Read more on Salon

"Hull is not intimidating. That may not sound like praise but some larger cities, like Leeds and Manchester, can feel quite intimidating. Hull has a big town feel rather than a big city vibe."

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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