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Intimidate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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intimidate

[ɪnˈtɪmɪˌdeɪt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

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 | Verb

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 | Verb

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

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • People often intimidate others to assert dominance, a behavior observed in social hierarchies.
  • Intimidation can lead to stress and anxiety in those targeted, affecting their mental health and confidence.
  • Research shows that non-verbal cues, like body language or tone of voice, significantly contribute to how intimidation is perceived.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, villains often use intimidation tactics to control their victims, making it a common trope.
  • Famous sports figures may intimidate opponents with their size or skill, influencing the outcome of games.
  • Television shows frequently depict school bullies intimidating classmates to highlight social issues and the importance of standing up against such behavior.

Literature

  • Characters in novels often intimidate others to achieve their goals, illustrating themes of power and control.
  • The portrayal of intimidation in classic literature often reflects societal fears and the struggle for power.
  • Many authors explore the psychological effects of intimidation through character development and moral dilemmas.

Education

  • Teachers can unintentionally intimidate students through strict authority figures, impacting learning environments.
  • Discussing feelings of intimidation in classrooms can promote empathy and understanding among students.
  • Educational programs aim to teach conflict resolution strategies to combat intimidation and bullying in schools.

Origin of 'intimidate'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'intimidare', which means 'to frighten' or 'to make timid'.
  • It was first used in English in the late 14th century, emphasizing fear and submission.
  • The prefix 'in-' suggests a sense of entering into a state (in this case, fear), while 'timid' denotes a lack of courage.

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.

See also: timidity, timidly.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,700, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.