intimidate
/ɪnˈtɪmɪdeɪt/verb
To frighten someone, often with threats, so that they feel nervous or back down.
Example sentences
- “The bigger team tried to intimidate their opponents before the game.”
- “The gang tried to intimidate witnesses into staying silent.”
The passive is common: 'don't be intimidated'. 'Intimidating' describes whatever causes the fear, from bosses to blank pages.