verb (used with object), in·tim·i·dat·ed, in·tim·i·dat·ing.
- to make timid; fill with fear.
- to overawe or cow, as through the force of personality or by superior display of wealth, talent, etc.
- to force into or deter from some action by inducing fear: to intimidate a voter into staying away from the polls.
verb (tr)
- to make timid or frightened; scare
- to discourage, restrain, or silence illegally or unscrupulously, as by threats or blackmail
v.1640s, from Medieval Latin intimidatus, past participle of intimidare “to frighten, intimidate,” from Latin in- “in” (see in- (2)) + timidus “fearful” (see timid). Related: Intimidated; intimidating.