intimidate

[in-tim-i-deyt] / ɪnˈtɪm ɪˌdeɪt /

VERB

frighten, threaten

Synonyms

STRONGEST

alarm awe bully coerce constrain daunt dishearten dismay scare subdue terrify terrorize

STRONG

badger bait bludgeon bluster browbeat buffalo bulldoze chill compel cow dispirit disquiet dragoon enforce force hound oblige overawe ride ruffle spook strong-arm

WEAK

bowl over lean on push around showboat twist someone's arm

Antonyms

STRONGEST

assure calm comfort embolden encourage hearten help incite inspirit leave alone please reassure release soothe

WEAK

assist

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The new boss will want to make a mark—almost any mark will do—to intimidate top performers and encourage sycophants.

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

"For anyone who sets out to wreak havoc on our streets, to intimidate or threaten anyone, you can expect to face the full force of the law".

From BBC • May 15, 2026

“By agreeing to this settlement, and waiving their right to appeal, Justin Baldoni and every individual defendant now face personal liability for abusing the legal system to silence and intimidate Ms. Lively,” the attorneys said.

From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2026

Two of the people in a continuing civil rights lawsuit accuse DHS of unlawfully using their license plates and biometric data to track and intimidate them for exercising their First Amendment rights.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026

I didn’t allow their side-eyes and annoyed looks to intimidate or stop me.

From "Reaching for the Moon" by Katherine Johnson

Vocabulary lists containing intimidate

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