Intimidate: meaning, definitions and examples

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intimidate

[ ɪnˈtɪmɪˌdeɪt ]

^{Context #1}

in a social setting

To frighten or threaten someone, often in order to make them do what you want or to make them feel less confident.

Synonyms

bully, coerce, daunt, threaten

Examples of usage

He has always used his size to intimidate people.
Don't let them intimidate you into silence.
She refused to be intimidated by their threats.

^{Context #2}

in a professional setting

To make someone feel nervous or frightened, especially in a work environment.

Synonyms

dismay, fluster, scare, unnerve

Examples of usage

She felt intimidated by the aggressive sales tactics.
He tries to intimidate his colleagues with his knowledge.

^{Context #3}

in a competitive situation

To deliberately make someone feel less confident in a competitive situation.

Synonyms

overawe, psych out, rattle, unsettle

Examples of usage

The team tried to intimidate their opponents before the match.
Don't let their tactics intimidate you.

Translations

Translations of the word "intimidate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 intimidar

🇮🇳 धमकाना

🇩🇪 einschüchtern

🇮🇩 mengintimidasi

🇺🇦 залякувати

🇵🇱 zastraszać

🇯🇵 威嚇する

🇫🇷 intimider

🇪🇸 intimidar

🇹🇷 korkutmak

🇰🇷 위협하다

🇸🇦 ترهيب

🇨🇿 zastrašovat

🇸🇰 zastrašovať

🇨🇳 威吓

🇸🇮 ustrahovati

🇮🇸 hræða

🇰🇿 қорқыту

🇬🇪 შინაგანი

🇦🇿 qorxutmaq

🇲🇽 intimidar

Word origin

The word 'intimidate' comes from the Latin word 'intimidare', which means 'to make timid'. It has been used in English since the late 17th century. The concept of intimidation has been prevalent throughout history, often used as a tactic to control or manipulate others through fear. In modern times, the word is commonly used in various contexts, from social interactions to professional environments.