intimidate

(ĭn-tĭm'ĭ-dāt')

1. To make timid; fill with fear.
2. 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.]

SYNONYMS   intimidate, browbeat, bulldoze, cow, bully, bludgeon. 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.