Need another word for Intimidate? Use these synonyms of Intimidate from our thesaurus to say it differently.
Synonyms & Similar Words
daunt
cow
dismay
dishearten
discourage
demoralize
unnerve
unsettle
frighten
scare
terrify
alarm
threaten
bully
coerce
browbeat
menace
dominate
subdue
overwhelm
overawe
awe
humble
abash
shame
discomfit
disconcert
embarrass
fluster
rattle
unbalance
upset
perturb
disturb
harass
badger
pester
plague
torment
tyrannize
oppress
suppress
repress
crush
quell
quash
silence
muzzle
gag
stifle
smother
snuff
extinguish
annihilate
exterminate
eradicate
eliminate
destroy
demolish
devastate
ravage
pillage
plunder
sack
desecrate
despoil
lay waste
raze
annihilate
obliterate
expunge
erase
delete
cancel
nullify
invalidate
vitiate
undermine
subvert
corrupt
debilitate
enfeeble
weaken
enervate
devitalize
drain
exhaust
deplete
sap
debilitate
cripple
hamstring
paralyze
immobilize
petrify
freeze
stun
daze
bewilder
perplex
puzzle
confound
flabbergast
astound
amaze
astonish
shock
startle
surprise
Meaning of Intimidate
The primary meaning of the word "intimidate" is to make someone feel frightened, nervous, or hesitant by using or threatening to use physical or psychological power.
Definitions
- To frighten or overawe someone very much, especially so that they do something they do not want to do
- To make someone feel nervous or frightened, especially so that they do something they do not want to do
- To use or threaten to use physical or psychological power to control or influence someone
Etymology of Intimidate
The word "intimidate" comes from the Latin "intimidare", which means "to frighten" or "to threaten"
This Latin word is a combination of "in-" (meaning "in" or "into") and "timidare" (meaning "to make timid" or "to frighten")
The word "intimidate" has been used in the English language since the 15th century to describe the act of making someone feel frightened or nervous
Example Uses
- The bully intimidated the other kids in the schoolyard
- The thought of public speaking intimidates me
- The new policy is intended to intimidate potential troublemakers
- The large dog intimidated the smaller animal
- The teacher's intimidating demeanor made it difficult for students to ask questions
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
encourage
empower
embolden
reassure
comfort
console
soothe
calm
placate
appease
pacify
mollify
alleviate
mitigate
assuage
relieve
solace
hearten
cheer
buoy
uplift
inspirit
invigorate
animate
energize
vitalize
revitalize
rejuvenate
restore
revive
refresh
renew
stimulate
motivate
activate
animate
provoke
prompt
urge
spur
goad
prod
impel
drive
propel
boost
lift
raise
elevate
exalt
glorify
dignify
honor
extol
laud
praise
commend
approve
endorse
sanction
ratify
confirm
validate
verify
authenticate
certify
guarantee
warrant
assure
ensure
secure
safeguard
protect
defend
shield
screen
cover
shelter
harbor
succor
aid
assist
support
sustain
maintain
uphold
preserve
conserve
save
rescue
deliver
liberate
free
release
emancipate
unshackle
unchain
unfetter
unbind
unloose
untie
unfasten
unlock
unbar
open
clear
rid
remove
eliminate
eradicate
expel
eject
banish
exile
deport
oust
dismiss
discharge
fire
terminate
cancel
annul
nullify
void
invalidate
vitiate
undermine
subvert
corrupt
debilitate
enfeeble
weaken
enervate
devitalize
drain
exhaust
deplete
sap
debilitate
cripple
hamstring
paralyze
immobilize
petrify
freeze
stun
daze
bewilder
perplex
puzzle
confound
flabbergast
astound
amaze
astonish
shock
startle
surprise