intimidate

play

verb in·tim·i·date \in-ˈti-mə-ˌdāt\

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

intimidation

play \in-ˌti-mə-ˈdā-shən\ noun

intimidator

play \in-ˈti-mə-ˌdā-tər\ noun

See intimidate defined for English-language learners

See intimidate defined for kids

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

Playing outside in the shadow of the Lincoln statue, though, was intimidating, exciting, scary and a great honor all at once, Arnold said.

— mike danahey, Elgin Courier-News, "3 Doors Down comes knocking in Elgin," 15 July 2017
People who had municipal jobs or contracts to lose were then intimidated into not supporting me.

— frank scaturro, National Review, "How a Political Machine Crushes Conservatism — and Democracy," 13 July 2017
The UAW and community allies also have pushed Nissan to stay neutral in a vote, claiming the company has intimidated workers.

— jeff amy, Detroit Free Press, "UAW files for vote by workers at Nissan plant in Mississippi," 11 July 2017
He is also accused of intimidating a witness who was cooperating with law enforcement, and selling heroin and cocaine.

— jessica anderson, baltimoresun.com, "City, federal law enforcement announce indictment of alleged 'Trained To Go' gang members," 11 July 2017
If, however, the deal is entirely dead, the pummeling may be seen as intimidating to other investors on the end of a Kushner Companies pitch.

— eric levitz, Daily Intelligencer, "Kushner Sought $500 Million Bailout From Top Qatari Investor: Report," 10 July 2017
Many have to do with visa delays for Russian officials or the treatment of Russian diplomats who aren't granted meetings — a grievance U.S. officials found disingenuous given that American diplomats are routinely harassed and intimidated in Moscow.

— david nakamura, ajc, "Phone taps, power plays and sarcasm: What it's like to negotiate with Putin," 8 July 2017
Although intimidating looking Kuznetsov is old and suffers from a variety of issues, including a breakdown in the Bay of Biscay and issuing huge pillars of billowing black smoke.

— kyle mizokami, Popular Mechanics, "U.K., Russia Fight Over Whose Bad Aircraft Carriers Are Better," 29 June 2017
Hun Sen has been in power for three decades, and while Cambodia is formally democratic, his government is authoritarian and known for intimidating opponents.

— sopheng cheang, The Seattle Times, "Cambodian court releases 5 human rights workers on bail," 29 June 2017

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1646

See Words from the same year

Synonym Discussion of 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

INTIMIDATE Defined for English Language Learners

intimidate

play

verb

Definition of intimidate for English Language Learners

: to make (someone) afraid

INTIMIDATE Defined for Kids

intimidate

play

verb in·tim·i·date \in-ˈti-mə-ˌdāt\

Definition of intimidate for Students

intimidated

;

intimidating

: to frighten especially by threats

Law Dictionary

intimidate

play

transitive verb in·tim·i·date \in-ˈti-mə-ˌdāt\

Legal 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)