Want to say intimidate differently? Here are other words for intimidate and its similar synonyms and opposite words to say in unique way.
Meaning of intimidate
The primary meaning of the word "intimidate" is to frighten or scare someone into doing something they might not want to do.
Etymology of intimidate
The word "intimidate" originated from the Latin word "intimidare", which means "to frighten" or "to make timid"
It is derived from the prefix "in-" (meaning "in" or "into") and the word "timidus" (meaning "fearful" or "timid")
The word "intimidate" has been used in English since the 15th century to describe the act of making someone feel frightened or scared
Synonyms
daunt
frighten
cow
bully
scare
threaten
menace
overawe
subdue
humble
abash
dishearten
discourage
unnerve
unsettle
disconcert
perturb
rattle
shake
unman
demoralize
disarm
disable
enfeeble
debilitate
enervate
paralyze
petrify
terrify
alarm
awe
browbeat
coerce
compel
constrain
force
harass
hector
oppress
persecute
pressurize
push around
strong-arm
tyrannize
Definitions
- To frighten or scare someone into doing something they might not want to do
- To make someone feel nervous or frightened, especially so that they do not do something
- To use violence or threats in order to get power or control over someone
Usage Examples
- The large dog was used to intimidate anyone who approached the house
- The new policy is intended to intimidate companies into complying with the regulations
- The teacher tried to intimidate the student into behaving, but it only made them more anxious