intimidating
UK: ɪnˈtɪmɪdeɪtɪŋ | US: ɪnˈtɪmɪdeɪtɪŋ
adj. causing fear or nervousness; appearing threatening or overwhelming
vt. (intimidate) to frighten or discourage someone, especially to influence their behavior
intimidating = in<into, towards> + timid<fearful> + ate<verb suffix> + ing<adjective suffix>
- in (Latin prefix): "into, towards," implying direction or intensification.
- timid (Latin root): "fearful," from timidus (timid, easily frightened).
- ate (verb suffix): forms verbs from nouns/adjectives (e.g., "activate").
- ing (adjective suffix): creates present participle adjectives (e.g., "exciting").
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin timere (to fear). The prefix in- intensifies the root timid, originally meaning "to make fearful." Over time, "intimidate" evolved in English (17th century) to describe psychological pressure or threats, with "intimidating" later emerging as its adjective form. The logic follows: pushing someone into fear → overawing or frightening them.
The dark alley looked intimidating at night.
His stern expression was meant to be intimidating.
She refused to be intimidated by the aggressive negotiator.
The exam’s difficulty level was intimidating for many students.
The towering skyscraper had an intimidating presence.