Intimidate — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /in-ˈti-mə-ˌdāt/ in·tim·i·date

Meaning & Definition of Intimidate

Intimidate (verb)

  1. to make timid or fearful, frighten; especially, to compel or deter by or as if by threats

Intimidate (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to make timid or fearful by or as if by threats

    "refusing to be intimidated by the manager's harsh stare, I demanded my money back"

    similar: blackjack, bogart, browbeat, bulldoze, bully, bullyrag, cow, hector, strong-arm, pick on
    related: bluster, trash-talk, affright, alarm, frighten, horrify, scare, shock, spook, startle, terrify, menace, terrorize, threaten, badger, harass, hound, bludgeon, coerce, compel, constrain, dragoon, force, make, oblige, press, pressure, push around, demoralize, psych (out), unman, unnerve, discompose, disconcert, disquiet, distress, disturb, perturb, upset
    near: cheer, comfort, console, reassure, solace, soothe, embolden, encourage, hearten, steel, convince, persuade

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Intimidate

The most common words with a similar meaning to Intimidate:

blackjack, bogart, browbeat, bulldoze, bully, bullyrag, cow, hector, strong-arm, pick on

Related Words for Intimidate

bluster, trash-talk, affright, alarm, frighten, horrify, scare, shock, spook, startle, terrify, menace, terrorize, threaten, badger, harass, hound, bludgeon, coerce, compel, constrain, dragoon, force, make, oblige, press, pressure, push around, demoralize, psych (out)

Near Antonyms of Intimidate

cheer, comfort, console, reassure, solace, soothe, embolden, encourage, hearten, steel, convince, persuade

Word Forms of Intimidate

Inflections: intimidated, intimidating

Derived words: intimidation (noun), intimidator (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Intimidate

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

First known use: 1646

Frequently Asked Questions about Intimidate

What does "Intimidate" mean?

"Intimidate" means to make timid or fearful, frighten; especially, to compel or deter by or as if by threats. As a verb, it is defined as: to make timid or fearful, frighten; especially, to compel or deter by or as if by threats.

What is another word for "Intimidate"?

Other words for "Intimidate" include blackjack, bogart, browbeat, bulldoze, bully, bullyrag, cow and hector. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Intimidate" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Intimidate"?

There are 49 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Intimidate". Common alternatives include blackjack, bogart, browbeat, bulldoze, bully, bullyrag, cow, hector, strong-arm and pick on.

How do you use "Intimidate" in a sentence?

Examples of "Intimidate" in a sentence: "refusing to be intimidated by the manager's harsh stare, I demanded my money back".

Is "Intimidate" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Intimidate" is a verb.

How do you pronounce "Intimidate"?

"Intimidate" is pronounced /in-ˈti-mə-ˌdāt/ and divided into syllables as in·tim·i·date.

What is the origin of the word "Intimidate"?

"Intimidate" comes from Medieval Latin intimidatus, past participle of intimidare, from Latin in- + timidus timid. First known use: 1646.

What is another word for "Intimidate" meaning "to make timid or fearful by or as if by threats"?

When "Intimidate" (verb) means to make timid or fearful by or as if by threats, synonyms include blackjack, bogart, browbeat, bulldoze, bully and bullyrag.