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Intimidation Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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intimidation

[ɪnˌtɪmɪˈdeɪʃən ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

fear

The action of intimidating someone, or the state of being intimidated; the feeling of being intimidated; the state of feeling fear or lack of confidence due to threats or pressure.

Synonyms

bullying, coercion, threatening.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
intimidation

Talking about creating fear to influence someone's actions, usually in a manner where someone looks or acts in a way that makes another person feel scared.

  • The manager used intimidation to keep employees from complaining
  • The soldiers' presence was a clear form of intimidation
coercion

Refers to forcing someone to do something against their will through threats or pressure, often used in legal or formal contexts.

  • The confession was obtained through coercion
  • The company was accused of coercion in its labor practices
bullying

Refers to repeated aggressive behavior where someone intentionally causes harm or discomfort to another person, often used in the context of schools or social groups.

  • The kid suffered from bullying at school
  • Bullying on social media has become a serious issue
threatening

Describes behavior or words that imply harm or danger, making someone feel unsafe or in danger. This can be used in both serious and casual situations.

  • His threatening tone made everyone nervous
  • The weather forecast looks threatening with a chance of severe storms

Examples of usage

  • He used intimidation to get what he wanted.
  • The witness was too scared to testify due to intimidation tactics.
Context #2 | Noun

harassment

The action of making someone feel timid or fearful; behavior or actions that make someone feel scared or inferior.

Synonyms

menace, pressure.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
intimidation

Intimidation is used when someone purposefully tries to make another person feel afraid or less confident, often to control or influence their actions. It generally has a negative connotation.

  • The boss used intimidation to keep his employees from complaining about their working conditions.
  • She felt a sense of intimidation when the bully approached her.
menace

Menace refers to a situation or person that threatens to cause harm or danger. It is often used in a more dramatic or serious context and can have a strong negative connotation.

  • The growing menace of cybercrime worries many organizations.
  • He felt like a menace was looming over him as he walked through the dark alley.
pressure

Pressure is commonly used to describe a condition where someone feels compelled to act in a certain way due to force or influence from others, but it doesn't necessarily imply fear. It can be used in both negative and neutral contexts.

  • She felt immense pressure to get good grades from her parents.
  • The CEO is under a lot of pressure to improve the company's performance.

Examples of usage

  • She felt constant intimidation from her boss.
  • The intimidation at work was affecting her mental health.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Intimidation often leads to feelings of anxiety and decreased self-esteem in the person being intimidated.
  • The fear of intimidation can be linked to concepts of power dynamics in relationships, often making it a topic in social psychology.
  • Studies show that intimidation can be both physical and emotional, affecting individuals across various settings, from schools to workplaces.

Pop Culture

  • Movies often depict bullies using intimidation to control their victims, showcasing the struggle between fear and empowerment.
  • In many action films, the hero often faces an intimidating villain, highlighting the theme of overcoming fear.
  • Reality TV shows often create scenarios designed to test how contestants handle intimidation, leading to dramatic moments.

Law

  • In legal terms, intimidation can be considered a crime if it involves threats or coercion, particularly in cases of extortion.
  • Anti-bullying laws in many regions include measures against intimidation in schools to protect students.
  • Legal definitions can vary; however, the essence remains that it involves creating fear to manipulate behavior.

Literature

  • Many classic and modern novels explore themes of intimidation as characters navigate oppressive societies.
  • Authors often utilize intimidation to develop characters, revealing their motivations and fears.
  • Literary works frequently depict the psychological effects of intimidation, offering insights into human emotions and societal structures.

Origin of 'intimidation'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'intimidare,' which means to frighten or make afraid.
  • It has been used in English since the 15th century, originally relating to causing fear or terror.
  • The prefix 'in-' generally means 'to' or 'into,' suggesting a deepening of the action, in this case, instilling fear.

The word 'intimidation' originates from the Latin word 'intimidare', which means 'to make afraid'. The concept of intimidation has been prevalent throughout history, often used as a tool for control or dominance. Intimidation can take various forms, from physical threats to psychological manipulation. In modern society, intimidation is often associated with bullying, harassment, or coercion.

See also: intimidating, intimidator.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,272, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.