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What is another word for Intimidate? – 273 Intimidate Synonyms

    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