tr.v., -dat·ed, -dat·ing, -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.]
intimidatingly in·tim'i·dat'ing·ly adv.intimidation in·tim'i·da'tion n.
intimidator in·tim'i·da'tor n.
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.
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