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

There’s a moment when Robbie tells Tom, a former priest, that there’s nothing waiting for us on the other side of death, and there’s nothing intimidating about his tone.

From Salon

Iza made millions online while intimidating and extorting people, illegally hacking Facebook accounts and engaging in other criminal activity.

From Los Angeles Times

The brainchild of Chef Donald Young, the come-as-you-are restaurant is a great gateway for those who find traditional fine dining intimidating or stuffy.

From Salon

When Jason died in September 2024 the family found the immediate aftermath - which involved police questioning and an inquest - confusing and intimidating.

From BBC

Last time out, the stands that towered over the first tee in Rome proved too intimidating for the American players.

From BBC

Related Words

• aggressive 
• frightening www.thesaurus.com
• terrifying