intimidates

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.

Offering a lot to process—historically, technically and visually—“Sèvres Extraordinaire!” is that rare species of exhibition that impresses and intimidates in equal measure.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 1, 2025

Second, and crucially, it intimidates opponents into silence and quiescence.

From Slate • Dec. 6, 2024

“We’ve seen that this system suppresses and intimidates the majority of children,” said Salwa Duaibis, co-founder of Military Court Watch, a Palestinian legal advocacy group.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 5, 2023

I find it so fascinating when people are baking like, "Baking intimidates me, baking scares me, so many steps, numbers, math, science, da da, da, da, da."

From Salon • Jul. 12, 2023

He lives in New York and still intimidates the hell out of me.

From "The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates" by Wes Moore