intimidating

[ in-tim-i-dey-ting ]

/ ɪnˈtɪm ɪˌdeɪ tɪŋ /

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See synonyms for intimidating on Thesaurus.com

adjective

Sometimes in·tim·i·da·to·ry

[in-tim-i-duh-tawr-ee] /ɪnˈtɪm ɪ dəˌtɔr i/ . 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.

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.

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.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of intimidating

intimidat(e) + -ing²

OTHER WORDS FROM intimidating

un·in·tim·i·dat·ing, adjective

Words nearby intimidating

intimation, Intimations of Immortality, intime, intimidate, intimidated, intimidating, intimidation, intimist, intinction, intine, intitle

How to use intimidating in a sentence

Nocera, 50, who owns a local auto repair shop, said that he was dropping off his son to vote, and that he didn’t intend to intimidate anyone.
Pistols, a Hearse and Trucks Playing Chicken: Why Some Voters Felt Harassed and Intimidated at the Polls|by Adriana Gallardo, Maryam Jameel and Ryan McCarthy|December 4, 2020|ProPublica
Attention from Honolulu policeFacing pressure from the lawsuit, the Kealohas devised a countermeasure to intimidate and discredit Katherine’s uncle, Silvert said.
A prosecutor and police chief were adored in their community. Then their scheme unraveled.|Kim Bellware|December 3, 2020|Washington Post
If the large sizes of typical slow cookers are intimidating for you, or if you’re mostly cooking for just one or two people, these mini cookers are a fabulous start so you don’t end up eating the same soup forever.
Gifts for people who are learning how to cook|Sara Kiley Watson|November 24, 2020|Popular-Science
The illogic of such a suggestion, Mengedoht said, can get lost on someone who is scared and intimidated.
Phony police officers scam $1.5 million from Maryland residents|Dan Morse|October 29, 2020|Washington Post

She and I conducted original research published earlier this year that examined nearly 2,500 tweets directed toward politicians across race, gender and party lines, analyzing for attempts to discredit, intimidate or shame.
The Greatest Threat to Democracy Might Not Be What You Expect|Shaan Merchant|October 28, 2020|Ozy
The pulps brought new readers to serious fiction, making it less intimidating with alluring art and low prices.
How Pulp Fiction Saved Literature|Wendy Smith|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
The mother, Emily Kruse, was charged with obstructing justice and intimidating a witness.
Judge: Rehoming Kids Is Trafficking|Tina Traster|December 30, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Thanksgiving may be about family, but that comes with an intimidating collection of double-edged swords.
How to Make It Through Thanksgiving Alive|Lizzie Crocker|November 26, 2014|DAILY BEAST
She lacked “connections,” and as a woman, faced “a very intimidating situation.”
Cameroonian Women Fighting Sexism With Tourism|Abena Agyeman-Fisher|November 7, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Eventually, Scott began stopping by the offices and intimidating editors into covering his music.
It Was All a Dream: Drama, Bullshit, and the Rebirth of The Source Magazine|Alex Suskind|October 14, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The tragedy of existence presented itself in its true aspect, as noble and majestic and intimidating.
Hilda Lessways|Arnold Bennett
As to intimidating me, or changing my course, the thing cannot be done.
American Sketches|Charles Whibley
As Mrs. Freke saw no other chance left of gaining her point with Belinda, she tried what intimidating her would do.
Tales And Novels, Volume 3 (of 10)|Maria Edgeworth
The Mohicans boldly sent back the intimidating yell of their enemies, who raised a shout of savage triumph at the fall of Gamut.
The Last of the Mohicans|James Fenimore Cooper
Rogers saw that awe of the great financier and his intimidating statments had fairly stampeded his clients.
To Him That Hath|Leroy Scott