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

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

From Salon • Apr. 23, 2026

A county council found that putting up the flags was an “act of intimidation and division.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026

The intimidation of Singh’s tournament was not an isolated incident.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 18, 2026

The UK, in response, revoked accreditation for a Russian diplomat and a diplomatic spouse, saying it would "not stand for intimidation of British embassy staff and their families".

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

Within a few months Zindzi — who was not banned — was upset by the security police’s intimidation.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

Related Words

• coercion