Intimidating
/ɪnˈtɪmɪˌdeɪtɪŋ/
adjectiveB2present participle (used as adjective)
Definition
Intimidating describes something or someone that causes fear or nervousness in others. It often happens when a person, situation, or object looks strong, serious, or difficult to face. This feeling can make people feel small or unsure about themselves.
Was this helpful?
See It in Action
Causing fear or nervousness because of power or size
- •The large dog looked intimidating to the small children.
- •The boss’s serious tone was intimidating for the new employees.
- •The mountain’s steep path was intimidating for the beginner hikers.
Making someone feel less confident or scared in a situation
- •The difficult exam was intimidating, but she studied hard and passed.
- •Speaking in front of a big audience can be intimidating for many people.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "intimidating" like "scary," but more about making you feel nervous or less confident, not always about danger.
- ✓Picture a big, tall person standing very close with a serious face—that feeling of wanting to step back is intimidating.
- ✓It's the feeling you get before an important test or meeting where you doubt yourself.
- ✓Sounds like "in-TIM-i-dating" → imagine someone TIMing you with a stopwatch while you try to do something hard, making you nervous.
- ✓Remember a strict teacher or coach who looks serious and makes you feel you must do your best or you might be in trouble.
- ✓NOT like "friendly" (makes you feel comfortable), "intimidating" makes you feel worried or small.
- ✓NOT like "dangerous" (can hurt you physically), "intimidating" is more about feelings of fear or nervousness inside.
- ✓NOT like "challenging" (makes you want to try), "intimidating" can stop you from trying because you feel scared.
- ✓NOT like "annoying" (makes you upset), "intimidating" makes you feel afraid or less confident.
Try Other Words
- •Frightening: causing fear (Use when the focus is more on fear than just nervousness)
- •Threatening: seeming likely to cause harm or trouble (Use when there is a clear danger or risk)
- •Daunting: making you feel nervous about something difficult (Use when emphasizing difficulty and nervousness)
- •Overwhelming: too much to handle (Use when something feels too big or strong to manage)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: prefix "in-" (into, on) + root "timid" (fearful, shy) + suffix "-ating" (forms adjective from verb)
- •Etymology: from Latin "intimidare" meaning "to frighten or scare"
- •Historical development: Originally used to mean causing fear or making someone timid; now often means making someone feel nervous or less confident
- •Modern usage: Used to describe people, situations, or things that make others feel nervous, scared, or less sure of themselves
Reflect & Connect
•Can something be intimidating but still be a positive challenge? How do you feel in those situations?
•How do people show they are intimidating without using words or actions?
Fill in the blanks
1.The tall, serious teacher had an intimidating ___ on the new students' confidence.
2.She felt intimidated because the task was too ___ and difficult for her experience.
3.Unlike friendly smiles, his cold stare was clearly ___ and made others nervous.
4.When the boss spoke loudly, it was ___ enough to make everyone listen carefully.
5.The mountain looked intimidating, but after training, the hikers felt more ___ to climb it.
6.Public speaking can be intimidating, but practice helps you feel less ___.
7.The intimidating presence of the security guard made the visitors ___ to break any rules.