intimidating

[in-tim-i-dey-ting]

adjective

1. Sometimes intimidatory intended to frighten someone or to force or stop someone’s action through fear.

   We will not be sucked in to your macho agenda by intimidating threats of violence or seductive promises of power.

2. causing timidity, hesitancy, or anxiety, especially because of difficulty or risk; daunting.

   The day-to-day operations of the healthcare environment can be overwhelming and intimidating to the point of paralysis.

3. causing someone to feel overawed or cowed, as through force of personality or superior display of wealth, talent, rank, etc..

   All the others had gone to Harvard or Yale, and I was just a country hick; it was intimidating, for sure.

Other Word Forms

• unintimidating adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of intimidating¹

intimidat(e) ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

A venomous Mitchell Starc struck three times during an intimidating opening spell to leave England in trouble on day one of the first Ashes Test against Australia on Friday in Perth.

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It might be time to retire when the word “promotion” suddenly sounds intimidating instead of intriguing, says Farrell.

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The sky isn’t blue with white clouds anymore—it’s dark and intimidating.

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“Kenny embodied what it meant to be a Seahawk through his leadership, toughness, intensity and fearlessness. His intimidating nature and athletic grace made him one of the best players of all-time.”

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For 10 long, intimidating seconds, the pair played piano and sang for the impresario.

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Related Words

• aggressive 
• frightening www.thesaurus.com
• terrifying