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

On Monday, however, O’Connor struck back with a shocking order that used wildly inappropriate intimidation tactics to wrest back control of the case.

From Slate • May 19, 2026

"Hate has no place in California, and we will not tolerate acts of terror or intimidation against communities of faith," he said on X, adding, "To the San Diego Muslim community: California stands with you."

From Barron's • May 18, 2026

"We urge anyone who experiences harassment or intimidation to report any concerns to the police so we can put an end to this behaviour."

From BBC • Apr. 29, 2026

This is the same logic that made frivolous defamation suits useful tools of intimidation for decades.

From Salon • Apr. 23, 2026

He wasn’t just delivering intimidation, he was extracting something.

From "Scythe" by Neal Shusterman

Related Words

• coercion