intimidates

Intimidates is the third-person singular present tense of the verb intimidate. To intimidate someone is to make them feel afraid or deter them through threats, coercion, or displays of power. The aim is often to influence behavior, confidence, or choices rather than to persuade through argument alone.

Intimidation can be physical or psychological and may involve threats, humiliation, or the manipulation of social or institutional power. It can occur in personal relationships, workplaces, schools, or public settings, and is often part of broader patterns of abuse or coercive control. The perception of threat and the context in which it occurs influence how it is interpreted and addressed.

In legal and organizational contexts, intimidation can be treated as harmful conduct. Laws may address activities such as witness intimidation, harassment, or coercive behavior, with penalties that vary by jurisdiction and the seriousness of the threat. Policy frameworks in workplaces and schools often prohibit intimidation and provide mechanisms for reporting and protection of victims.

Related terms include intimidation (the noun describing the act or effect), intimidator (one who intimidates), and intimidating (the present participle and adjective form). Usage of the term typically centers on power dynamics, perceived threat, and its impact on autonomy and safety.