Intimidate
/ɪnˈtɪmɪdeɪt/
Definitions
To frighten or threaten someone to make them do something.
/ɪnˈtɪmɪdeɪt/
To frighten or overawe someone, especially in order to make them do what one wants.
The large dog tried to intimidate the mail carrier by barking.
💡 Simply: Imagine your older sibling is trying to get you to do their chores. If they're being mean or scary to make you do it, they're trying to intimidate you. Like, "Do what I say, or else!"
👶 For kids: To scare someone so they do what you want.
More Examples
The bully attempted to intimidate the smaller children on the playground.
The company used threats to intimidate its employees into working longer hours.
How It's Used
"The dictator used his army to intimidate his opponents."
"He tried to intimidate me with his size, but it didn't work."
Idioms & expressions
intimidate into silence
To use fear or threats to stop someone from speaking.
"The government tried to intimidate the reporters into silence by threatening legal action."
From Latin intimidare, meaning "to frighten". It combines "in-" (in, into) and "timere" (to fear).
The word has been used in English since the late 16th century, initially referring to instilling fear in the heart.
Memory tip
Think of "Tim" (a person) being scared INto doing what the bully wants.