English Explanatory Dictionary

intimidate

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To make timid or afraid; to cause to feel fear or nervousness; to deter, especially by threats of violence.

Pronunciation

/ɪnˈtɪmɪdeɪt/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-intimidate.wav

Word forms

intimidate intimidates intimidating intimidated

Etymology

From Medieval Latin intimidātus, perfect passive participle of Latin intimidō (“to intimidate, terrify”) (see -ate (verb-forming suffix)), from in- (“in”) + timidus (“afraid, timid”) + -ō (verb-forming suffix); see timid.

Synonyms

abash buffalo bulldoze bully browbeat cow dastardize daunt dishearten do down domineer drive hector intimidate menace strong-arm

Related words

intimidatingly intimidation intimidator intimidatory timid pick on ride roughshod over abash

Derived words

unintimidate
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