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. )

Example Sentences

That data is considered highly sensitive because it can be used to commit identity theft, access financial or government records, and facilitate targeted harassment or intimidation, particularly if the data were mishandled or leaked.

From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026

Unnoticed, the language of nuclear intimidation is again a currency in international conflict.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 13, 2026

By their interpretation, it wasn’t about military action—it was more an intimidation.

From Slate • Mar. 3, 2026

Welsh Labour does not condone harassment and intimidation of any political candidate, elected representative or their families.

From BBC • Mar. 1, 2026

But I will not give in to the intimidation.

From "Dry" by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman

Related Words

• coercion