intimidate
verb
\
Definition of intimidate
: to make timid or fearful : frighten especially : to compel or deter by or as if by threats tried to intimidate a witness
Keep scrolling for more
Other words from intimidate
\
noun
\
noun
Synonyms for intimidate
Synonyms
blackjack, browbeat, bulldoze, bully, bullyrag, cow, hector, strong-arm
Visit the Thesaurus for More
Examples of intimidate in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
If the fire seems even a smidge too big or intimidating to control, get out and call 911. — Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, "Emergency Responders Share 9 of the Biggest Death Traps in Your Home," 14 July 2018 The commission said Delashaw had intimidated subordinates by yelling and swearing at them, creating a climate where staff members were reluctant to ask the type of questions needed to properly care for patients. — Sandi Doughton, The Seattle Times, "Former Swedish surgeon Johnny Delashaw gets his license back, with restrictions," 10 July 2018 The tactics intimidated the Guatemalan government eager to avoid the expense of defending a GATT challenge. — Eric Levitz, Daily Intelligencer, "It’s Normal for the U.S. to Put Corporate Profits Above Babies’ Health," 10 July 2018 Sharing stories has been something that’s intimidated Adams in the past. — Trevor Fraser, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Musicians take the couch in Orlando's Person Cave," 6 July 2018 Class salutatorian Sierra Danyow said that coming to the school as a freshman from Canterbury was initially intimidating. — Janice Steinhagen, Courant Community, "Ellis Tech Class Of 2018 Called 'Spirited, Challenging, Committed'," 26 June 2018 While some stores have stepped away from the campaign due to ex-police officers allegedly intimidating employees, Lush U.K. has stated that the campaign will go on as intended. — Amanda Arnold, The Cut, "Everything to Know About the Lush Police Campaign Controversy," 6 June 2018 Fairs are a great opportunity to get exposure to all kinds of art, especially for neophytes who might otherwise find walking into a private gallery intimidating. — Frederik Balfour, Bloomberg.com, "Top Collectors Reveal the Secrets of How to Invest in Art," 7 May 2018 Moving usually isn't cheap, and moving to a big city where the cost of living will trend higher can be intimidating. — refinery29.com, "How Much It Costs To Live In The U.S. Cities With The Most Jobs," 3 July 2018These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'intimidate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for intimidate
intimidate
verb
English Language Learners Definition of intimidate
: to make (someone) afraid
See the full definition for intimidate in the English Language Learners Dictionary
intimidate
verb
\
Kids Definition of intimidate
: to frighten especially by threats
intimidate
transitive verb
\
Legal Definition of intimidate
1 : to make timid or fearful especially : to compel or deter by or as if by threats — see also coercion
2 : to engage in the crime of intimidating (as a witness, juror, public officer in the performance of his or her duty, or victim of a robbery or other crime)
Other words from intimidate
\
noun
\
noun
Keep scrolling for more
Comments on intimidate
What made you want to look up intimidate? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Name that Food Quiz
-
- Name these cookies!
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ
Share intimidate
Resources for intimidate