intimidating

American  

[in-tim-i-dey-ting] / ɪnˈtɪm ɪˌdeɪ tɪŋ /

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.

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Other Word Forms

• unintimidating adjective

Etymology

Origin of intimidating

intimidat(e) ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

“I’m glad I’m going with you too, Alegra. It’s a little intimidating being around so many older kids. We can stick together.”

From Literature

The complaint had alleged Osborne had breached the local authority's code of conduct by carrying out harassment or bullying, including "intimidating behaviour".

From BBC

“Sometimes the process is really intimidating and people want a little hand-holding as they go through and click the buttons,” Holden said from her home in Brooklyn in a recent interview.

From MarketWatch

His mother’s parents, who lived down the street from them, were sharp and a little intimidating, but still frail.

From Literature

“It can feel awkward, scary and maybe intimidating. But you have nothing to lose. If it’s not for you, you can always stop.”

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• aggressive
• frightening
• terrifying