intimidate definition | Dictionary.com

in⋅tim⋅i⋅date

[in-tim-i-deyt]

–verb (used with object), -dat⋅ed, -dat⋅ing.

1.	to make timid; fill with fear.

2.	to overawe or cow, as through the force of personality or by superior display of wealth, talent, etc.

3.	to force into or deter from some action by inducing fear: to intimidate a voter into staying away from the polls.

Origin:
1640–50; < ML intimidātus, ptp. of intimidāre to make afraid, equiv. to L in- in- ² + timid(us) timid, afraid + -ātus -ate ¹

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.
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Language Translation for : intimidate

Spanish:

intimidar,

German:

einschüchtern,

Japanese:

おどす

View 30 other languages »

in·tim·i·date (ĭn-tĭm'ĭ-dāt') Pronunciation Key
tr.v. in·tim·i·dat·ed, in·tim·i·dat·ing, in·tim·i·dates

To make timid; fill with fear.
To coerce or inhibit by or as if by threats.

[Medieval Latin intimidāre, intimidāt- : Latin in-, causative pref.; see in-² + Latin timidus, timid; see timid.]

in·tim'i·dat'ing·ly adv., in·tim'i·da'tion n., in·tim'i·da'tor n.

Synonyms: These verbs all mean to frighten into submission, compliance, or acquiescence. Intimidate implies the presence or operation of a fear-inspiring force: "It [atomic energy] may intimidate the human race into bringing order into its international affairs" (Albert Einstein).
Browbeat suggests the persistent application of highhanded, disdainful, or imperious tactics: browbeating a witness.
Bulldoze connotes the leveling of all spirit of opposition: was bulldozed into hiring an unacceptable candidate.
Cow implies bringing out an abject state of timorousness and often demoralization: a dog that was cowed by abuse.
To bully is to intimidate through blustering, domineering, or threatening behavior: workers who were bullied into accepting a poor contract.
Bludgeon suggests the use of grossly aggressive or combative methods: had to be bludgeoned into fulfilling his duties.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2006 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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intimidate

1646, from M.L. intimidatus, pp. of intimidare "to frighten, intimidate," from L. in- "in" + timidus "fearful" (see timid).

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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intimidate
verb
1.	make timid or fearful; "Her boss intimidates her"
2.	to compel or deter by or as if by threats

WordNet® 3.0, © 2006 by Princeton University.
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Intimidate

In*tim"i*date\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Intimidated; p. pr. & vb. n. Intimidating.] [LL. intimidatus, p. p. of intimidare to frighten; pref. in- in + timidus fearful, timid: cf. F. intimider. See Timid.] To make timid or fearful; to inspire of affect with fear; to deter, as by threats; to dishearten; to abash.

Now guilt, once harbored in the conscious breast, Intimidates the brave, degrades the great. --Johnson.

Syn: To dishearten; dispirit; abash; deter; frighten; terrify; daunt; cow.

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