intimidate

Intimidate, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Intimidated; p. pr. & vb. n. Intimidating.]

Etymology: [LL. intimidatus, p. p. of intimidare to frighten; pref. in- in + timidus fearful, timid: cf. F. intimider. See Timid.]

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.

Shades of meaning

Fernald has no entry of its own for intimidate; he lists it under frighten.

Where he writes about it:

Employers may intimidate their employees from voting contrary to their will by threat of discharge; a mother may be intimidated through fear for her child. — from frighten

Synonyms

frighten affright alarm appal browbeat cow daunt dismay scare terrify

Antonyms

none given

etymology Webster’s online