intimidate
What does "intimidate" mean?
To intimidate someone is to intentionally make them feel fearful, timid, or cowed, often to force them to act in a certain way or to prevent them from speaking up. The mental image is that of a larger, more aggressive force casting a shadow over someone else, causing them to shrink back or lose their confidence. While "intimidate" is a formal verb, it describes a very common human dynamic. It is often used in political, workplace, or social contexts where there is a power imbalance. You will frequently hear it in the passive voice, such as "being intimidated by" someone, or as an adjective, "an intimidating presence."
"intimidate" in conversation
Workplace conflict
I really want to ask for a raise, but my boss is so intimidating.
I really want to ask for a raise, but my boss is so intimidating.
Don't let him intimidate you; you deserve to be paid fairly.
Don't let him intimidate you; you deserve to be paid fairly.
Shows how to use the word to describe both a person and an action.
Schoolyard pressure
Why did you give him your lunch money?
Why did you give him your lunch money?
He was trying to intimidate me into staying quiet about the broken window.
He was trying to intimidate me into staying quiet about the broken window.
Highlights the use of intimidate to force someone into compliance.
"intimidate" in a sentence
The tall man tried to intimidate the smaller boy.
The tall man tried to intimidate the smaller boy.
She felt intimidated by the complex questions during the job interview.
She felt intimidated by the complex questions during the job interview.
The dictator used military displays to intimidate neighboring nations into submission.
The dictator used military displays to intimidate neighboring nations into submission.
