Mengintimidasi

Mengintimidasi is an Indonesian verb meaning to intimidate, to make someone feel afraid, or to coerce them through threats or psychological pressure. The term combines the prefix meng- with intimidasi, a loanword from English, and is used in both formal and informal contexts to describe actions that aim to instill fear or hesitate someone from acting.

Forms and usage: Intimidation can be direct or indirect. Direct forms include threats of harm to person or property, or the use of force or coercion to influence decisions. Indirect forms involve social pressure, humiliation, isolation, manipulation of power dynamics, or spreading fear. In the digital era, online intimidation or cyberbullying is also described by the same term when threats or harassment are conveyed through electronic channels.

Context and legality: Mengintimidasi is generally viewed as unethical and, depending on the jurisdiction, may be illegal. Laws commonly address related conduct such as threats (pengancaman), coercion, harassment, or creating a hostile environment. In workplaces and institutions, anti-harassment and anti-bullying policies prohibit intimidation to protect safety, dignity, and autonomy.

Impact and responses: The effects of intimidation include fear, anxiety, reduced self-confidence, and impaired decision-making. Prevention focuses on education, clear policies, and reporting mechanisms. Individuals who experience intimidation should document incidents and seek appropriate remedies through internal procedures or legal avenues.

See also: intimidation, harassment, bullying, coercion, threats, cyberbullying.