Definition of intimidate
intimidated
;intimidating
transitive verb
: to make timid or fearful : frighten; especially : to compel or deter by or as if by threats tried to intimidate a witness
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Examples of intimidate in a Sentence
He tries to intimidate his opponents.
You shouldn't allow his reputation to intimidate you.
Recent Examples of intimidate from the Web
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Hike and travel in large groups, which are intimidating to bears.
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Also pleading not guilty on Friday was the man's codefendant, his sister, who is accused of intimidating and showing cruelty toward the same child.
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The threat of violence, whether it is implied or acted on, is intended to intimidate and to silence.
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The moments between action can intimidate an announcer, and there’s even more time these days because metrics have neutered what used to be action.
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In fact, he was intimidated by Dover at first because of the speed the cars carry into the corners.
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At 6 foot-3, Bunning was physically imposing, and on both the baseball diamond and Capitol Hill he was known for a toughness that could be intimidating.
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People want to enjoy parks without being intimidated by dogs charging at them and jumping on them.
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Mr. Brzezinski, a descendant of Polish aristocrats (his name is pronounced Z-BIG-nyehv breh-ZHIHN-skee), was a severe, even intimidating figure, with penetrating eyes and a strong Polish accent.
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.
Origin and Etymology of intimidate
Medieval Latin intimidatus, past participle of intimidare, from Latin in- + timidus timid
First Known Use: 1646
Synonym Discussion of intimidate
INTIMIDATE Defined for English Language Learners
intimidate
playDefinition of intimidate for English Language Learners
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: to make (someone) afraid
INTIMIDATE Defined for Kids
intimidate
playDefinition of intimidate for Students
intimidated
;intimidating
: to frighten especially by threats
Law Dictionary
intimidate
playLegal Definition of intimidate
intimidated
intimidating
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)
intimidatingly
adverbLearn More about intimidate
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See words that rhyme with intimidate Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for intimidate Spanish Central: Translation of intimidate Nglish: Translation of intimidate for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of intimidate for Arabic speakers
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