Pronunciation: in- ' ti-m ə - ˌ d ā t
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form: -dat · ed ; -dat · ing
Etymology: Medieval Latin intimidatus, past participle of intimidare, from Latin in- + timidus timid
Date: 1646
: to make timid or fearful : FRIGHTEN especially : to compel or deter by or as if by threats <tried to intimidate a witness>
– in · tim · i · dat · ing · ly \ - ˌ d ā -ti ŋ -l ē \ adverb
– in · tim · i · da · tion \ - ˌ ti-m ə - ' d ā -sh ə n \ noun
– in · tim · i · da · tor \ - ' ti-m ə - ˌ d ā -t ə r \ noun
synonyms INTIMIDATE , COW , BULLDOZE , BULLY , BROWBEAT mean to frighten into submission. INTIMIDATE implies inducing fear or a sense of inferiority into another < intimidated by so many other bright freshmen>. COW implies reduction to a state where the spirit is broken or all courage is lost <not at all cowed by the odds against making it in show business>. BULLDOZE implies an intimidating or an overcoming of resistance usually by urgings, demands, or threats < bulldozed the city council into approving the plan>. BULLY implies intimidation through threats, insults, or aggressive behavior < bullied into giving up their lunch money>. BROWBEAT implies a cowing through arrogant, scornful, or contemptuous treatment < browbeat the witness into a contradiction>.