intimidation

American  

[in-tim-i-dey-shuhn] / ɪnˌtɪm ɪˈdeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act of inducing fear or awe.

   The true motive of most street harassment is intimidation.

2. the act or process of attempting to force or deter an action by inducing fear.

   She spoke passionately about the violence and intimidation suffered by African Americans in Mississippi seeking to register to vote.

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Etymology

Origin of intimidation

intimid(ate) ( def. ) + -ation ( def. )

Explanation

Intimidation is when you try to frighten a weaker person into doing what you want. You might use intimidation to get your brother to mow the lawn for you. Intimidation can refer to the act of making someone feel timid or afraid — like what you sometimes do to your brother — or it can also refer to that fearful feeling itself. Intimidation might make members of a jury hesitate to convict a defendant. Intimidation can also refer to feeling threatened, discouraged, or afraid because you're facing something stronger or superior. You might feel a sense of intimidation right before your soccer team plays the undefeated state champs.

Example Sentences

At the same time, a surge in military intimidation by China in recent years and a push by Taiwan’s government have spurred more civilians to consider how to respond to the threat.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

"Under such circumstances, what exactly is Iran expected to do?" he asked, stating: "Iran is not a nation that submits to coercion, intimidation or lawless aggression."

From Barron's • Mar. 16, 2026

When the BBC visited a monastery that had been at heart of Tibetan resistance in July last year, monks spoke of living under fear and intimidation.

From BBC • Mar. 12, 2026

Journalists must be able to report without intimidation.

From Salon • Mar. 7, 2026

Desperation, deep poverty, and illiteracy drove women to take the risk of cohabiting with men such as truck drivers and soldiers, those with steady jobs or who wielded the power of intimidation.

From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French

Related Words

• coercion