# intimidating

/ˌɪnˈtɪmɪˌdeɪtɪŋ/ (US) · /ɪntˈɪmɪdˌeɪtɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/intimidating
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. frightening or overwhelming

adjective · CEFR B2

making you feel nervous or worried because something is very big, difficult, or powerful.

For teachers: inducing fear or a loss of confidence through an appearance of superior strength, size, or difficulty.

- The huge library was a bit intimidating for a new student on their first day.
- The prospect of presenting her research to a panel of Nobel laureates was deeply intimidating, despite her years of preparation.

### 2. threatening in manner

adjective · CEFR B2

describing a person who acts in a way that makes others feel scared or small.

For teachers: characterised by a manner or physical presence that suggests a threat or a desire to dominate others.

- He was a tall man with a very intimidating voice that made everyone go quiet.
- The interrogator maintained an intimidating silence, leaning forward just enough to make the suspect feel physically crowded.

## Examples

- The tall man looked very intimidating.
- Her strict boss was intimidating to the new staff members.
- The sheer scale of the ancient cathedral was intimidating, yet its quiet interior offered a profound sense of peace.

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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.