intimidated - Master This Word
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intimidated Word Meanings
- to frighten someone into doing something
- to make someone feel afraid
- to scare someone
intimidated Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
intimidated Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ɪnˈtɪmɪdeɪt/
US
/ɪnˈtɪmɪˌdeɪt/
intimidated Word Etymology
in- = not + timid = fearful. Origin: Latin → Old French → Middle English. To remember, picture someone who is normally timid but is being forced to confront their fears, perhaps standing boldly in front of a shadow to face it.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Intimidate means to frighten someone into doing something or to make someone feel afraid, often to gain control or compliance. It can describe overt threats, subtle pressure, or hostile behavior that dampens another person’s confidence. In practice, you might witness a bully trying to intimidate a peer, a manager using seniority to intimidate a subordinate, or a negotiator leveraging consequences to nudge a decision. While fear can accompany any intimidation, the focus is less on physical danger and more on creating a sense of power imbalance. It’s stronger and more aggressive than mere scare and may carry legal or ethical implications in many contexts.
Usage Reminders
- Use intimidate to describe coercive fear that aims to force action; not just to scare someone.
- Common construction: intimidate someone into doing something; be careful not to misuse with passive forms.
- Distinguish from scare or frighten: intimidation implies a purpose of control.
- In workplace or school contexts, intimidation can have serious ethical or legal implications.
- Note collocations: intimidating presence, intimidation tactics, be intimidated by someone.
Common Misconceptions
- Intimidate is not the same as scare; intimidation involves coercion and control, not just fear.
- It can be subtle, not only loud threats or violence.
- It is usually directed at people, not objects or abstract ideas.
- It is negative in tone; do not use to describe positive leadership or confidence.
- Be careful with be intimidated by; use be intimidated by someone or intimidation tactics, not be intimidation.
Thinking Differences
In English, intimidation emphasizes coercive intent and a power imbalance; learners often confuse it with mere fear or scare. Native speakers distinguish be intimidated by someone (the subject feels fear) from someone who intimidates (the actor uses threats or pressure). The phrase intimidate someone into doing something is a core construction. In many contexts, intimidation carries negative, sometimes legal, connotations, so tone matters. Avoid using it for casual confidence-building or inspirational leadership.
Learning Tips
- Learn the exact construction 'intimidate someone into doing something'.
- Practice be intimidated by vs someone intimidates.
- Compare with scare and frighten to notice the forcefulness.
- In formal writing, prefer precise terms or describe coercive contexts.
- Memorize collocations: intimidating presence, intimidation tactics.
- Read real-life examples to see tone and intent.
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