What does intimidation mean?
Intimidation is the deliberate use of fear, threats, or overwhelming displays of power to make another person feel unable to resist, speak freely, or act independently. The word commonly appears in discussions of bullying, workplace misconduct, witness protection, political pressure, and abuse of authority. It is more specific than simply being frightened: intimidation implies an active attempt to produce fear in order to influence another person’s conduct. In legal and political contexts, the term can refer to threatening behavior, intimidation tactics, or a broader atmosphere intended to intimidate critics or opponents. Although intimidation may sometimes function as a deterrent, it is generally viewed negatively because it substitutes fear and coercion for persuasion or legitimate authority. The word is understood similarly in British and American English.
nounThe act of making someone feel afraid or intimidated, especially through threats or the display of power. It can also refer more broadly to the use of threatening or intimidating behavior to control or frighten others.
- The act of frightening someone so that they feel unable to resist or act freely.
- The use of threats, intimidation, or intimidating behavior to control, silence, or dominate another person.
- A broader policy or practice intended to make people feel overawed or unable to challenge authority.
"The witnesses said that the intimidation had made them afraid to come forward."
"The report documented repeated intimidation of witnesses who refused to cooperate."
"She spoke without intimidation, calmly challenging the claims made by the committee."
"The size of the crowd was used as a form of intimidation, but no one attempted to leave."
The plural is used for separate acts or instances of intimidation.
"The witnesses described several intimidations outside the courthouse."
Intimidation works by making fear itself a form of pressure, turning the prospect of harm into a tool for controlling other people.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does intimidation come from?
Intimidation comes from the Latin verb intimidare, meaning “to make timid” or “to frighten,” and was adopted into English in the 17th century. The Latin root is related to timidus, meaning “timid” or “fearful.” The English verb intimidate and the noun intimidation ultimately reflect this same Latin origin, while timid and timidity preserve the cognate root in modern English.
Related word forms
How intimidation is actually used
The word is most often used for intimidation that is deliberate and coercive, especially when someone is threatened to prevent them from speaking, resisting, or acting independently. It is generally formal and can describe behavior by individuals, groups, institutions, or organizations.
Easily confused with intimidation
Frighten describes the effect of making someone afraid, whereas intimidation specifically suggests doing so through threats, pressure, or an assertion of power.