Intimidate

As a Verb

1. To frighten or make someone feel afraid, often through threats, bullying, or aggressive behavior.
2. To make someone feel anxious, powerless, or fearful, usually to gain control or influence over them.
3. To cause someone to hesitate or avoid a situation by instilling fear or doubt.

Word History

The word intimidate comes from the Latin intimidatus, the past participle of intimere, meaning “to frighten” or “to make fearful.” It evolved in English during the 16th century to describe the act of making someone feel afraid or apprehensive.

Examples

1. The bully tried to intimidate the new student by staring him down.
2. His harsh words were meant to intimidate the competitors.
3. The loud noise from the dark alley seemed to intimidate him into running away.

Synonyms

Frighten, scare, threaten, bully, terrorize

Related Words

Fear, anxiety, pressure, coercion

Antonyms

Encourage, empower, reassure, comfort