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.

While Tory chief whip, Sir Gavin was said to have used Cronus to intimidate unruly MPs so they stuck to the party line.

From BBC • May 22, 2026

“We will not stand by and let them continue to try to intimidate us,” Lainy Yompian said during the conference.

From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2026

Two of the people in a continuing civil rights lawsuit accuse DHS of unlawfully using their license plates and biometric data to track and intimidate them for exercising their First Amendment rights.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026

“He’s gone so far as to try and intimidate the pope, for God’s sake,” Racicot said.

From Salon • Apr. 17, 2026

With no Tiamat to intimidate them, the kitchen cats rubbed around his ankles, begging for a late-night treat.

From "Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher" by Bruce Coville

Vocabulary lists containing intimidate

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