# intimidate

/ˌɪnˈtɪmɪˌdeɪt/ (US) · /ɪntˈɪmɪdˌeɪt/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/intimidate
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

to make someone feel frightened or nervous so that they do what you want. It often happens when someone seems more powerful or talented than you.

For teachers: to frighten or overawe someone, especially in order to influence their behaviour or compel them to perform an action. Often involves a perceived imbalance of power or skill.

## Examples

- The big dog tries to intimidate the smaller cats.
- The lawyer tried to intimidate the witness by asking aggressive questions in a loud voice.
- The sheer scale of the corporate headquarters was designed to intimidate visitors, reinforcing the company's dominance in the global market through imposing architecture.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He felt intimidated of the boss." but "He felt intimidated by the boss." — When expressing the cause of the fear, use the preposition 'by' or 'with', not 'of'.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and requires a direct object.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.