Main Entry:

in·tim·i·date

Pronunciation:

\in-ˈti-mə-ˌdāt\

Function:

transitive verb

Inflected Form(s):

in·tim·i·dat·ed; in·tim·i·dat·ing

Etymology:

Medieval Latin intimidatus, past participle of intimidare, from Latin in- + timidus timid

Date:

1646

: to make timid or fearful : frighten ; especially : to compel or deter by or as if by threats <tried to intimidate a witness>

— in·tim·i·dat·ing·ly \-ˌdā-tiŋ-lē\ adverb

— in·tim·i·da·tion \-ˌti-mə-ˈdā-shən\ noun

— in·tim·i·da·tor \-ˈti-mə-ˌdā-tər\ noun

synonyms intimidate, cow, bulldoze, bully, browbeat mean to frighten into submission. intimidate implies inducing fear or a sense of inferiority into another <intimidated by so many other bright freshmen>. cow implies reduction to a state where the spirit is broken or all courage is lost <not at all cowed by the odds against making it in show business>. bulldoze implies an intimidating or an overcoming of resistance usually by urgings, demands, or threats <bulldozed the city council into approving the plan>. bully implies intimidation through threats, insults, or aggressive behavior <bullied into giving up their lunch money>. browbeat implies a cowing through arrogant, scornful, or contemptuous treatment <browbeat the witness into a contradiction>.