intimare

Intimare is an Italian transitive verb meaning to command with authority, to order someone to do something, or to issue a formal notice or warning. The action implies an obligation and a potential consequence if the command is not followed. The term is used in both formal and informal contexts, but it retains a sense of official authority.

Usage and grammar: Intimare governs a direct object, typically a person or organization, and is often followed by a clause introduced by a or by di to specify the required action or restriction. For example, one might say: il sindaco ha intimato al cittadino di rimuovere l’oggetto pericoloso; la banca ha intimato al debitore di pagare entro dieci giorni. In legal and administrative language, the verb is common in phrases describing formal demands or warnings issued by authorities, courts, notaries, banks, or debt collectors.

Legal and formal context: In law, the related noun intimazione refers to a formal notice or demand sent to a party, such as an intimation to pay, to appear in court, or to comply with a decision. An intimazione typically specifies the deadline and the consequences of non-compliance, and it often marks the start of a legal or administrative process.

Connotation and usage notes: Intimare conveys authority and urgency and can carry a coercive or compulsory tone. It is not synonymous with casual advice or persuasion; rather, it denotes a formal act that imposes an obligation on the recipient. The verb is widely used in civil and administrative discourse, as well as in journalism when reporting official actions.