intimidate — to frighten or threaten someone in order to make them do what you want
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to frighten or threaten someone in order to make them do what you want
Pronunciation (IPA): /ɪnˈtɪmɪdeɪt/
Example Sentences
- The huge bouncer's glare could intimidate even the toughest troublemakers.
- My cat thinks it can intimidate the vacuum cleaner by staring at it intensely.
- Don't let the advanced math problems intimidate you - start with the basics.
intimidate
VERB[/ɪnˈtɪmɪdeɪt/]
to frighten or threaten someone in order to make them do what you want
The boxer tries to intimidate his opponent with a fierce stare at weigh-in.
IN(into) + TIMID(fearful) + ATE(make) — deciding to ATE(make) the small boy fall IN(into) a completely TIMID(fearful) state, the bully aggressively intimidated him.
Stepping heavily forward with his massive physical weight, the giant wrestler tried to fiercely intimidate his tiny opponent.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Late Latin 'intimidare,' formed from the prefix 'in-' (into) combined with 'timidus' (fearful, timid), which derives from 'timere' (to fear). The word literally means 'to make fearful' or 'to inspire fear in.'
Breakdown
in- (into, cause to be) + timid (fearful, from Latin timidus) + -ate (verb suffix) = intimidate (to make fearful or threaten)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The huge bouncer's glare could intimidate even the toughest troublemakers.”
“My cat thinks it can intimidate the vacuum cleaner by staring at it intensely.”
“Don't let the advanced math problems intimidate you - start with the basics.”
“The teacher's pet tried to intimidate other students with his extensive vocabulary.”
📚Related Words
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