intimidate

verb

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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

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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 That didn’t stop powerful Auburn boosters from trying to intimidate Greene and search committee members into hiring Steele, sources told AL.com. — John Talty | Jtalty@al.com, al, "Inside the battle over Auburn’s coaching search," 23 Dec. 2020 Even if court packing ultimately fails, the effort to intimidate the Supreme Court will have dire consequences. — Philip Hamburger, WSJ, "Court Packing Is a Dangerous Game," 15 Apr. 2021 Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell argued in a floor speech that the bill is all part of an ongoing effort to intimidate Supreme Court justices. — John Mccormack, National Review, "Court-Packing Bill Is an Attempt to Intimidate Sitting Supreme Court Justices," 15 Apr. 2021 The report predicts more tensions in the South China Sea, as Beijing continues to intimidate rivals in the region. — New York Times, "China Poses Biggest Threat to U.S., Intelligence Report Says," 13 Apr. 2021 In late 2019 and 2020 China used both its maritime militia and its coastguard to intimidate the West Capella, a ship licensed by Malaysia to drill for oil and gas. — The Economist, "Reef madness China tries to nick another speck in the sea from the Philippines," 10 Apr. 2021 For now, China seeks to intimidate its neighbors without firing a shot. — The Editorial Board, WSJ, "Biden’s Great-Power Test Begins," 6 Apr. 2021 Gestapo came again to intimidate the Church parishioners during the Passover Celebration!!! — Emma Colton, Washington Examiner, "Video of minister pushing 'Gestapo' police out of church during Holy Week service goes viral: 'Living in a total takeover of the government'," 4 Apr. 2021 The government installed surveillance cameras inside Tibetan monasteries, the report says, and has used a broader surveillance network to intimidate political dissidents, religious leaders and individual Tibetans and Uyghurs. — USA Today, "The US says China is committing genocide against the Uyghurs. Here's some of the most chilling evidence.," 2 Apr. 2021

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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Last Updated

5 May 2021

Cite this Entry

“Intimidate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intimidate. Accessed 12 May. 2021.

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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

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