Word
intimidation
Phoneticsin·tim·i·da·tion, stress on the fourth syllable
US/ˌɪnˌtɪmɪˈdeɪʃən/
UK/ɪntˌɪmɪdˈeɪʃən/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the act of making someone feel afraid or nervous so they will do what you want. It often involves threats or a scary personality.
n. the action of frightening or overawing someone, especially in order to influence their behaviour or coerce them into a specific course of action.
Examples
“The bully used intimidation to get the other children's lunch money.”
“The witness reported that the gang used physical intimidation to prevent people from speaking to the police.”
“Legal experts argue that the subtle atmosphere of intimidation created by the presence of armed guards may have influenced the jury's final decision.”
Examples
simple
“The bully used intimidation to get the other children's lunch money.”
contextual
“The witness reported that the gang used physical intimidation to prevent people from speaking to the police.”
complex
“Legal experts argue that the subtle atmosphere of intimidation created by the presence of armed guards may have influenced the jury's final decision.”
Usage
Often used in the context of law, sports, or workplace harassment; frequently follows the verbs 'use' or 'resort to'.
Real-World Examples
“A woman, who was arrested for taking photos of jury members outside the courthouse in the Lindsay Clancy trial, has been charged with aggravated intimidation of a juror.” “In recent months these have addressed unlawful deportations, the intimidation tactics of the far right, Labour’s imitation of the far right, the crackdown on free speech rights and protests for Gaza.” Etymology
From intimidate + -ion. Compare French intimidation; perhaps modeled on it.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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