intimidate
verb (used with object)
to make timid; fill with fear.
was intimidating
-
past progressiveof intimidate.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Before his show at the Rodin Museum, Anderson said it was "intimidating" to take on the role "because you are up against people who are in the history books", the Guardian reported.
From BBC ● Jan. 29, 2026
Stoppard’s cleverness, while the source of his fame and prestige, was intimidating to some and off-putting to others.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 30, 2025
“It was intimidating to take this action,” Braddock said.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 23, 2025
He was intimidating, difficult to pin down, and evasive when questioned.
From BBC ● Oct. 6, 2023
Richard was momentarily startled by how perfectly almond-shaped her eyes were, wide-set in a dark face that was intimidating to look at.
From "Half of a Yellow Sun" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
