What does intimidated mean?
“Intimidated” means feeling fear or awe in response to someone’s authority, presence, or ability. A person may be intimidated by a forceful colleague, an imposing building, a large crowd, or the confidence of an experienced speaker. The word can also suggest becoming hesitant or self-conscious, especially when comparing oneself with someone more accomplished. It is more specific than simply “nervous”: intimidation usually involves a sense of being overpowered or intimidated by another person or situation. The term is widely used in both formal and informal English. For example, a junior employee might feel intimidated during a demanding meeting, while a student might feel intimidated by a difficult exam. In these contexts, the word highlights an imbalance of power or confidence and the effect it has on a person’s ease and confidence.
Feeling fear, awe, or self-doubt because of someone’s authority, presence, or ability.
"He was intimidated by the sudden change in his supervisor’s tone."
Commonly used with “by”; it can describe both fear of authority and loss of confidence in a challenging situation.
Past tense and past participle of “intimidate”; to make someone feel fear or awe.
"The intimidating questions intimidated even the most experienced witnesses."
This is an inflected form of “intimidate,” commonly followed by an object or by “by.”
To feel intimidated is to be moved by fear of authority—not necessarily by physical danger.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does intimidated come from?
The word comes from the Latin verb “intimidare,” formed from “in-” and “timidus,” meaning timid or fearful. It originally referred to making someone timid or reducing someone to fear. English borrowed the family of forms in the 17th century, and “intimidated” became the standard past-participle and past-tense form of “intimidate.” Related English forms include “intimidation” and “intimidator,” which preserve the same Latin root.
Related word forms
How intimidated is actually used
This is the past participle and past-tense form of “intimidate.” It is commonly used with “by,” and it usually implies fear or awe caused by authority, pressure, or perceived power rather than ordinary nervousness.
Easily confused with intimidated
“Intimidated” describes a person who feels fear or awe, whereas “intimidating” describes someone or something that causes that feeling.