intimidate Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb make timid or fearful
    • Her boss intimidates her
  2. verb to compel or deter by or as if by threats
    restrain.

WordNet

In*tim"i*date transitive verb
Etymology
LL. intimidatus, p. p. of intimidare to frighten; pref. in- in + timidus fearful, timid: cf. F. intimider. See Timid.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Intimidated ; present participle & verbal noun Intimidating
Definitions
  1. To make timid or fearful; to inspire of affect with fear; to deter, as by threats; to dishearten; to abash.
    Now guilt, once harbored in the conscious breast, Intimidates the brave, degrades the great. Johnson.
    Syn. -- To dishearten; dispirit; abash; deter; frighten; terrify; daunt; cow.

Webster 1913