intimidator

A large dog barks at the mail carrier, acting as an intimidator.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A person who frightens or threatens others: An "intimidator" is someone who deliberately uses fear, threats, or aggressive behavior to make others feel afraid, weak, or less confident.
   • One who imposes fear: The term refers to an individual who creates an atmosphere of intimidation, often to gain control or power over others.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The school bully was known as the main intimidator in the playground. (He used threats and aggression to frighten other children.)
  • In negotiations, he acted as an intimidator, using loud voices and harsh words to pressure the other side. (He employed fear tactics to influence the outcome.)

Advanced Usage

• "to play the intimidator": to adopt the role of someone who uses fear to control a situation.

  • During the debate, she played the intimidator, interrupting and staring down her opponent. (She used aggressive behavior to unsettle the other person.)

• "a known intimidator": someone who is recognized for their pattern of intimidating others.

  • The witness described the suspect as a known intimidator in the neighborhood. (The suspect had a reputation for frightening people.)

Variants and Related Words

• Intimidate (verb): to frighten or threaten someone, especially to make them do what you want.

  • He tried to intimidate the new employee by shouting at her. (He attempted to scare her into submission.)

• Intimidation (noun): the act of frightening or threatening someone.

  • The intimidation of witnesses is a serious crime. (Frightening witnesses to prevent them from testifying.)

• Intimidating (adj): causing fear or nervousness.

  • The tall, stern guard had an intimidating presence. (His appearance made others feel afraid.)

Synonyms

• Bully: a person who uses strength or power to harm or intimidate weaker people.
• Threat: a person or thing likely to cause harm or danger.
• Menace: a person or thing that is likely to cause harm; a source of danger.
• Terrorizer: one who causes extreme fear.

Phrasal Verbs

• Intimidate into: to force someone to do something by frightening them.
  • The gang tried to intimidate the shopkeeper into paying protection money. (They used threats to make him pay.)

Related Idioms

• Throw one's weight around: to use one's authority or influence in an aggressive, intimidating way.

  • The manager likes to throw his weight around, making everyone feel uncomfortable. (He uses his position to intimidate staff.)

• Put the fear of God into someone: to make someone very frightened, often to control their behavior.

  • The strict teacher put the fear of God into the students. (She intimidated them into behaving well.)