intimidate

1 of 2

verb

in·​tim·​i·​date in-ˈti-mə-ˌdāt How to pronounce intimidate (audio)
intimidated; intimidating
Synonyms 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
intimidation
in-ˌti-mə-ˈdā-shən How to pronounce intimidate (audio)
noun
intimidator
in-ˈti-mə-ˌdā-tər How to pronounce intimidate (audio)
noun

intimidator

2 of 2

noun

in·​tim·​i·​da·​tor ə̇n‧ˈtiməˌdātə(r) How to pronounce intimidator (audio)
-ātə-
plural -s
: one that intimidates

Synonyms of intimidate

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Verb

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus
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

Verb He tries to intimidate his opponents. You shouldn't allow his reputation to intimidate you.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
During the interaction, the dog was ordered to intimidate or possibly attack our crew. — Sabrina Franza, CBS News, 30 June 2026 The three-time Grand Slam doubles champion has a varied game with a killer serve, and she won’t be intimidated by Świątek. — Ava Wallace, New York Times, 29 June 2026 Grilling fish properly can feel intimidating for even experienced home cooks, but one of the world’s great chefs has some tips on how to prepare this delicate protein over fire. — Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 29 June 2026 But for communications professionals who are new to presenting on camera, the experience can feel intimidating. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for intimidate

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Medieval Latin intimidatus, past participle of intimidare, from Latin in- + timidus timid

First Known Use

Verb

1646, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of intimidate was in 1646

Rhymes for intimidate

See All Rhymes for intimidate

Browse Nearby Words

in time to
intimidate
intimidated
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Intimidate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intimidate. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

intimidate

verb
in·​tim·​i·​date in-ˈtim-ə-ˌdāt How to pronounce intimidate (audio)
intimidated; intimidating
: to make timid or fearful by or as if by threats
intimidation
-ˌtim-ə-ˈdā-shən How to pronounce intimidate (audio)
noun
intimidator
-ˈtim-ə-ˌdāt-ər How to pronounce intimidate (audio)
noun

Legal Definition

intimidate

transitive verb
in·​tim·​i·​date in-ˈti-mə-ˌdāt How to pronounce intimidate (audio)
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 adverb
intimidation
in-ˌti-mə-ˈdā-shən How to pronounce intimidate (audio)
noun
intimidator
in-ˈti-mə-ˌdā-tər How to pronounce intimidate (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on intimidate

Nglish: Translation of intimidate for Spanish Speakers

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