intimidate
Translation
to frighten, to threaten, to daunt
Examples
He tries to intimidate his opponents.
He tries to intimidate his opponents.
They intimidated him into signing the contract.
They intimidated him into signing the contract.
Don't be intimidated by the difficult language.
Don't be intimidated by the difficult language.
Grammar Patterns
((sb.)) to frighten (sb.) He tries to intimidate his opponents.
((sb.)) ((into -ing sth.)) to force (sb.) to do (sth.) by frightening them They intimidated him into signing the contract.
Similar Words
Synonyms: frighten, threaten, daunt, bully; Antonyms: encourage, reassure
Etymology
From Latin 'intimidare', from 'in-' ('in') + 'timidus' ('fearful'). Literally 'to make fearful'.
Memory Tips
Think of 'in timid'. To intimidate someone is to put them 'in' a 'timid' or fearful state.