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.

With enough warships, a blockade could intimidate many tankers attempting to move oil to and from Iran.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham called the fine a "pathetic attempt to intimidate workers".

From BBC • Mar. 17, 2026

In one case, police detained a pro-royalist supporter, Durga Prasai, for social media posts allegedly meant to intimidate potential voters.

From Barron's • Mar. 3, 2026

Klausner also ruled that some of the actions that Seitz’s attorneys argued were meant to intimidate him instead appeared to be “routine law enforcement interactions.”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 27, 2026

Winston Churchill, equally eager to intimidate Stalin, stepped quickly to Truman.

From "Bomb" by Steve Sheinkin

Vocabulary lists containing intimidate

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