The word "intimidate" is spelled with three syllables: in-ti-mi-date. Each syllable has a clear vowel sound, making it easy to pronounce. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is written as /ɪnˈtɪmɪdeɪt/. The stress falls on the second syllable, giving it emphasis. The "i" in the first syllable is pronounced like "ih", while the "a" in the final syllable is pronounced like "ay". It is important to spell this word correctly as it is often used in legal or professional contexts.
Intimidate is a verb that refers to the act of instilling fear, dread, or coercion in someone or a group of people with the intention of manipulating or influencing their behavior. It involves using threats, aggression, or other means to purposely scare or disconcert someone, often leading to a sense of inferiority or vulnerability.
When one intimidates someone, they employ tactics that are designed to enforce power, dominance, or control over them. This can be accomplished through various means such as physical force, verbal abuse, harassment, or even psychological manipulation. The aim is to create an environment of fear or unease that inhibits the target's ability to act or express themselves freely.
Intimidation can occur in a wide range of contexts, including personal relationships, workplaces, schools, and even within societal or political dynamics. Those who employ intimidation may do so to silence opposition, gain an advantage, or induce conformity among others.
It is crucial to note that intimidation is considered an abusive behavior as it infringes upon an individual's rights, autonomy, and dignity. Efforts to combat intimidation involve promoting a safe and respectful environment for all individuals, fostering assertiveness and empowerment, and implementing policies that discourage and punish acts of intimidation.
In summary, intimidation is the deliberate act of instilling fear or dread in others by using threats, aggression, or other means for the purpose of controlling or manipulating their behavior.
To inspire with fear, as by threats of violence; to deter; to dishearten.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word intimidate originated from the Latin word intimidare, which is a combination of the prefix in- meaning in or into, and timor meaning fear. Therefore, the literal meaning of intimidate is to make someone timid or full of fear.