intimidate

Etymology

From Medieval Latin intimidatus, past participle of intimidare (“to make afraid”), from Latin in (“in”) + timidus (“afraid, timid”); see timid.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ɪnˈtɪmɪdeɪt/

Verb

intimidate (third-person singular simple present intimidates, present participle intimidating, simple past and past participle intimidated)

1. (transitive) To make timid or afraid; to cause to feel fear; to deter, especially by threats of violence

   He's trying to intimidate you. If you ignore him, hopefully he'll stop.

   Synonym: abash

References

• intimidate in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911
• intimidate in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913