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Intimidation: meaning, definitions and examples

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intimidation

 

[ ɪnˌtɪmɪˈdeɪʃən ]

Noun
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

Translations of the word "intimidation" in other languages:

🇵🇹 intimidação

🇮🇳 धमकी

🇩🇪 Einschüchterung

🇮🇩 intimidasi

🇺🇦 залякування

🇵🇱 zastraszanie

🇯🇵 脅迫 (きょうはく)

🇫🇷 intimidation

🇪🇸 intimidación

🇹🇷 gözdağı

🇰🇷 협박 (협박)

🇸🇦 تخويف

🇨🇿 zastrašování

🇸🇰 zastrašovanie

🇨🇳 恐吓 (kǒnghè)

🇸🇮 ustrahovanje

🇮🇸 hóta

🇰🇿 қорқыту

🇬🇪 შინაგანი

🇦🇿 təhdid

🇲🇽 intimidación

Etymology

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.