intimidate

verb

Save Word

in·tim·i·date | \ in-ˈti-mə-ˌdāt

intimidated; intimidating

Definition of intimidate

transitive verb

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

Other Words from intimidate Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More About intimidate

Other Words from intimidate

intimidation \ in-ˌti-mə-ˈdā-shən

\ noun

intimidator \ in-ˈti-mə-ˌdā-tər

\ noun

Choose the Right Synonym for intimidate

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

Examples of intimidate in a Sentence

He tries to intimidate his opponents. You shouldn't allow his reputation to intimidate you.

Recent Examples on the Web Thinking about soaring a foot over his head doesn’t intimidate him. — San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Apr. 2022 The criminal cases, filed in federal court in Brooklyn, allege longstanding efforts to dig up dirt on dissidents, intimidate them and stifle their speech. — Eric Tucker, ajc, 17 Mar. 2022 The federal law, more commonly known as the FACE Act, prohibits physically obstructing or using the threat of force to intimidate or interfere with a person seeking reproductive health services. — CBS News, 1 Apr. 2022 The federal law, more commonly known as the FACE Act, prohibits physically obstructing or using the threat of force to intimidate or interfere with a person seeking reproductive health services. — Michael Balsamo, USA TODAY, 31 Mar. 2022 That includes dis- or misinformation, designed either to intimidate or to profit from the enormous appetite for war content. — Chris Stokel-walker, Wired, 1 Mar. 2022 The agency has been proposing fines against passengers who assault, threaten, intimidate or interfere with airline crew members. — Fox News, 24 Nov. 2021 The policy allows the agency to pursue legal enforcement action against passengers who assault, threaten, intimidate or interfere with airline crew members. — NBC News, 11 Nov. 2021 Or it could be used to harass or intimidate valid voters under the guise of challenging their legitimacy. — Megan O’matz, ProPublica, 7 Mar. 2022 See More

These 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.

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Dictionary Entries Near intimidate

in time to

intimidate

intimidated

Statistics for intimidate

Last Updated

5 May 2022

Cite this Entry

“Intimidate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intimidate. Accessed 16 May. 2022.

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More Definitions for intimidate

intimidate

verb

in·tim·i·date | \ in-ˈti-mə-ˌdāt

intimidated; intimidating

Kids Definition of intimidate

: to frighten especially by threats

intimidate

transitive verb

in·tim·i·date | \ in-ˈti-mə-ˌdāt

intimidated; intimidating

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

intimidatingly adverb

intimidation \ in-ˌti-mə-ˈdā-shən

\ noun

intimidator \ in-ˈti-mə-ˌdā-tər

\ noun