INTIMIDATE

[in.tim.i.date] vt -dat.ed ; -dat.ing [ML intimidatus, pp. of intimidare, fr. L in- + timidus timid] (1646): to make timid or fearful: frighten; esp: to compel or deter by or as if by threats -- in.tim.i.dat.ing.ly adv -- in.tim.i.da.tion n -- in.tim.i.da.tor n syn 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 usu. 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, contemptuous, or insolent treatment "browbeat the witness into a contradiction".