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

Andrew Jay Schwartzman, a public interest communications attorney, said Carr is using his bully pulpit at the FCC to intimidate “a timorous broadcasting industry.”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 20, 2026

"To see that a minority of people behave in this manner, and intimidate people who just come here to work and live and have a peaceful life, it's a very sad state of affairs."

From BBC • Feb. 15, 2026

"India seem to intimidate Pakistan on the cricket field .. they are so much better in all facets of the game & such a better mentality of coping with the huge occasion."

From Barron's • Feb. 15, 2026

It was going to take a lot more than a little ventriloquy to intimidate him.

From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman

Vocabulary lists containing intimidate

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