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intimider

B2 noun 11 min read

intimider

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips intimider in 30 Seconds

Explanation intimider in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of 'intimider' as a word for 'making someone afraid'. Even though it is a B2 word, the concept is simple. If a big dog makes you want to run away, it 'intimides' you. You might say 'Le chien m'intimide' (The dog intimidates me). It is important for beginners to see this word and recognize it because it looks like English. You don't need to use it in complex ways yet. Just remember it is an -er verb like 'parler' or 'manger'. At this stage, focus on the feeling: 'Je suis intimidé' means 'I am scared/shy'. You might feel this way when you first try to speak French to a native speaker! It's a normal feeling, and knowing the word helps you express it simply. Think of it as a step up from 'j'ai peur' (I am afraid). While 'j'ai peur' is very common, 'je suis intimidé' is more about feeling small or nervous because of someone else's power or personality. Practice saying it in the present tense: 'Il m'intimide', 'Elle m'intimide'. This builds your confidence in using regular verbs while learning a sophisticated vocabulary word early on.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'intimider' to describe social situations. You are learning to talk about your feelings and experiences in more detail. You might use it when talking about school, work, or meeting new people. For example, 'Le professeur est sévère, il m'intimide' (The teacher is strict, he intimidates me). You should also practice the passé composé: 'Il m'a intimidé' (He intimidated me). Notice how the direct object 'm'' (me) comes before the verb. This is a good way to practice your pronoun placement. At A2, you also begin to understand that 'intimider' isn't just about being 'scared' like you are of a monster; it's about a social pressure. You can use it to describe why you didn't speak up in a meeting or a class. 'J'étais intimidé par les autres étudiants.' You are also learning to use adjectives, so 'intimidant' (intimidating) is a great addition to your vocabulary. 'C'est un homme intimidant.' This helps you describe people and situations more accurately than just using 'grand' (big) or 'méchant' (mean).

At the B1 level, you are becoming more independent in French. You can use 'intimider' to discuss more abstract topics, like the influence of the media or the pressure of exams. You should be comfortable using the verb in various tenses, including the imparfait for descriptions: 'Quand j'étais petit, les grands m'intimidaient' (When I was little, the big kids used to intimidate me). You can also start using the reflexive form 'se laisser intimider' which is very common. 'Il ne faut pas se laisser intimider par les difficultés.' This shows you can handle more complex sentence structures. At B1, you are also expected to understand the difference between 'intimider' and its synonyms like 'impressionner'. You might say, 'Je suis impressionné par son talent, mais son arrogance m'intimide.' This level of nuance is what moves you toward the B2 level. You can also use the word in the context of 'le harcèlement' (bullying), which is a common topic in B1 exams and discussions. You might discuss how to stop people from intimidating others in the workplace or at school, using the conditional: 'On ne devrait pas laisser les gens nous intimider.'

At the B2 level, which is the target level for this word, you should use 'intimider' with precision and in various registers. You understand that 'intimider' is often used in political, legal, and professional contexts. You can discuss 'l'intimidation de témoins' in a legal debate or 'les manœuvres d'intimidation' in a political campaign. You are capable of using the word in complex sentences with relative clauses: 'C'est une stratégie qui vise à intimider ceux qui oseraient s'opposer au projet.' You also recognize the nuance between 'intimider' and 'menacer' or 'terroriser'. At B2, you should be able to argue against intimidation or describe its psychological effects on a population or a group. You might use it in a formal letter or an essay about social justice or workplace dynamics. You also know the 'false friend' trap with 'intimité' and 'intimate' and avoid it consistently. Your use of 'intimider' shows that you can handle the 'rapport de force' (power dynamics) inherent in the French language and culture. You can also use the noun 'l'intimidation' fluently to discuss systemic issues.

At the C1 level, your use of 'intimider' is sophisticated and nuanced. You can use it to describe subtle psychological states or complex social phenomena. You might use it in a literary analysis to describe how a character's silence is used to 'intimider' their surroundings. You are also aware of the historical and etymological roots, perhaps using it in a way that evokes its Latin origins in a formal speech. You can use the word in the subjunctive after expressions of emotion or doubt: 'Il est regrettable que son autorité intimide autant ses collaborateurs.' You also understand and can use more rare synonyms like 'transir' or 'démonter' to add variety to your speech. At C1, you can discuss the 'herméneutique de l'intimidation' (the hermeneutics of intimidation) in academic contexts or analyze how architecture can be designed to 'intimider' the visitor. Your vocabulary is rich enough that 'intimider' is just one of many tools you have to describe the exercise of power and the reaction of the individual to that power. You can also use it ironically or metaphorically in high-level conversation.

At the C2 level, you have a native-like command of 'intimider'. You can use it with absolute precision in any context, from a highly technical legal brief to a poetic description of nature's power. You might use it to describe how the 'immensité du cosmos' (immensity of the cosmos) intimidates the human spirit. You are capable of playing with the word's connotations, perhaps using it in a wordplay or a complex metaphor. You understand all the idiomatic expressions associated with it and can even create your own based on a deep understanding of French semantics. At this level, you can lead a philosophical discussion on whether 'intimider' is ever a valid tool of leadership or if it always represents a failure of communication. You can effortlessly switch between the verb, the noun 'intimidation', the adjective 'intimidant', and the adverbial forms. You are also sensitive to the subtle shifts in meaning when the word is used in different Francophone cultures, from Quebec to West Africa. 'Intimider' is no longer a 'vocabulary word' for you; it is a versatile instrument in your linguistic orchestra.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

intimider in 30 Seconds

Intimider is a French verb meaning to frighten or overawe someone, often through power or presence.
It is a regular -er verb, conjugated like 'parler', and is a direct cognate of the English word.
Commonly used in sports, politics, and legal contexts to describe psychological pressure and power dynamics.
Watch out for the false friend 'intimité', which means privacy, not the act of intimidating.

The French verb intimider is a powerful term that describes the act of making someone feel frightened, nervous, or shy, often to influence their behavior or asserting dominance. While it sounds identical to its English counterpart, the nuance in French can range from a child being shy around a teacher to a witness being threatened in a legal case. In French culture, social standing and intellectual prowess are often areas where one might feel this emotion. It is a regular -er verb, making it relatively easy to conjugate, but its impact in a sentence is significant. Understanding this word requires looking at the power dynamics between the subject and the object. When you use intimider, you are describing a psychological effect rather than a physical blow. It is about the pressure exerted on the mind and the will of another person.

Common Context: Used frequently in sports to describe psychological warfare between opponents before a match.

Le défenseur essaie d'intimider l'attaquant par son regard fixe.

Beyond the physical, intimider is often used in professional and academic settings. A difficult exam might intimidate a student, or a high-ranking CEO might intimidate a new intern without even trying. It is important to note that the word implies a certain level of intentionality or a result of perceived power. In French, the passive form 'être intimidé' (to be intimidated) is very common to describe one's state of mind in a social situation. This verb is central to discussions about workplace bullying (le harcèlement), legal proceedings, and social anxiety. It carries a weight of seriousness; you wouldn't typically use it for lighthearted teasing unless you were being hyperbolic.

Social Nuance: In French social circles, appearing 'intimidé' can sometimes be seen as a sign of respect or, conversely, a lack of self-confidence (manque d'assurance).

Il ne faut pas se laisser intimider par les grands discours.

Historically, the word comes from the Latin 'intimidare', where 'timidus' means fearful. This root is visible in many Romance languages, making it a cognate for English speakers. However, the French usage often leans into the 'imposing' nature of a person. A large building or a complex task can also be the subject that intimidates. When you encounter this word in literature, it often highlights the internal struggle of a protagonist facing a powerful antagonist or a daunting fate. It is a word of conflict, whether internal or external.

Legal Usage: 'Intimidation de témoin' is a specific legal charge in Francophone law systems, referring to witness tampering through fear.

La foule hurlante a fini par intimider les manifestants pacifiques.

Sa grande taille et sa voix grave ont tendance à intimider ses interlocuteurs.

Elle ne se laisse pas intimider par les critiques acerbes de la presse.

Using intimider correctly requires understanding its role as a transitive verb. This means it usually takes a direct object—the person or entity being intimidated. In the active voice, the structure is [Subject] + [Conjugated Verb] + [Direct Object]. For example, 'Le patron intimide les employés.' Here, the boss is the source of the fear. However, it is perhaps even more common to see it in the passive voice or with reflexive structures to describe a feeling. When someone says 'Je suis intimidé,' they are expressing their own state of feeling overwhelmed or shy. This is a crucial distinction for learners: the difference between performing the action and feeling the result of it.

Active Construction: L'ampleur de la tâche pourrait intimider n'importe qui. (The scale of the task could intimidate anyone.)

Il a tenté d'intimider son adversaire avant le début du débat.

When using the verb in the passé composé, remember it uses 'avoir' as its auxiliary: 'J'ai intimidé'. If used in the passive sense 'to be intimidated', it uses 'être': 'J'ai été intimidé'. This distinction is vital for B2 learners who are mastering the nuances of voice. Furthermore, the verb can be used with the preposition 'par' to indicate the source of the intimidation: 'Il est intimidé par la foule.' The source can be a person, an object, a situation, or an abstract concept like 'the future' or 'the unknown'.

Passive Construction: Elle se sentait intimidée par le prestige de l'institution. (She felt intimidated by the prestige of the institution.)

Les nouvelles technologies ne doivent pas nous intimider.

In more advanced usage, you might encounter the reflexive form 's'intimider', though it is rarer and usually implies a mutual state or a self-inflicted feeling. More commonly, you'll see the causative construction 'se laisser intimider' (to let oneself be intimidated). This is a very idiomatic way to say 'to be pushed around' or 'to lose one's nerve'. Mastering the phrase 'Ne vous laissez pas intimider!' (Don't let yourselves be intimidated!) is a great way to sound more like a native speaker in encouraging or defiant contexts.

Causative Form: Ne te laisse pas intimider par son air sévère. (Don't let yourself be intimidated by his stern look.)

Le bruit des machines peut intimider les nouveaux ouvriers.

Rien ne semblait pouvoir intimider ce vieux loup de mer.

Pourquoi cherches-tu à m'intimider avec tes menaces ?

In modern France, you will hear intimider in several specific domains. One of the most common is in the media during political debates. Journalists often analyze how one politician tried to 'intimider' another through aggressive rhetoric or body language. It's a key word for political analysts discussing the 'rapport de force' (power balance) between candidates. You will also hear it frequently in the context of education and social issues, specifically regarding 'le harcèlement scolaire' (school bullying). Here, 'intimider' describes the repeated actions of a bully trying to frighten a classmate.

In the Media: Le candidat a tenté d'intimider son rival en interrompant chaque phrase.

La police a été accusée d'avoir voulu intimider les journalistes.

Another sphere where intimider is prevalent is in sports commentary. Whether it's football, rugby, or tennis, commentators talk about players using their physical presence or their reputation to 'intimider' their opponents. In a French rugby context, for instance, the 'combat' in the scrums is often described as a psychological battle to see who will be intimidated first. You'll also hear it in everyday conversations when someone describes a social encounter that felt overwhelming, like meeting a famous person or speaking in front of a large audience.

Everyday Life: J'étais un peu intimidé quand j'ai dû parler au maire.

Le silence de la salle peut intimider les jeunes artistes.

In literature and film, the word is used to build tension. A detective might 'intimider' a suspect during an interrogation (un interrogatoire). A villain might use 'intimidation' as their primary weapon. In legal dramas, you will hear about 'subornation de témoin' which often involves the verb 'intimider'. It is a word that suggests a shift in power, a moment where one person's will is tested against another's. If you watch French news (like JT de 20h), pay attention during segments on international relations; diplomats are often said to 'intimider' other nations through military exercises or economic sanctions.

Literature/Cinema: Dans le film, le parrain utilise la peur pour intimider ses ennemis.

Il ne faut pas laisser les grandes entreprises intimider les petits commerçants.

L'obscurité de la forêt a fini par intimider les enfants.

Son curriculum vitae est assez riche pour intimider n'importe quel recruteur.

One of the most frequent errors for English speakers is the confusion between intimider and the English word 'intimate'. In English, 'intimate' as a verb means to suggest or hint, while as an adjective it refers to closeness. In French, intimider ONLY means to frighten or overawe. If you want to say 'to hint' in French, you should use 'insinuer' or 'laisser entendre'. Another mistake is using the noun 'intimité' thinking it means 'the act of intimidating'. As mentioned before, 'intimité' means 'privacy' or 'intimacy'. The correct noun for the act of intimidating is l'intimidation.

False Friend Alert: 'Intimité' (Privacy) vs 'Intimidation' (The act of intimidating).

Elle protège son intimité (privacy), elle n'est pas victime d'intimidation.

Another common pitfall involves the preposition used after the verb. In English, we might say 'intimidated by', which translates well to 'intimidé par'. However, learners sometimes try to use 'de' because many French verbs of emotion use 'de' (like 'avoir peur de'). While 'intimidé de' can occur in specific literary contexts, 'par' is the standard and safer choice for everyday usage. Additionally, ensure you don't confuse intimider with 'impressionner' (to impress). While an intimidating person might be impressive, 'impressionner' is generally more positive or neutral, whereas intimider almost always carries a weight of fear or discomfort.

Preposition Choice: Correct: Je suis intimidé par lui. Incorrect: Je suis intimidé de lui.

Il ne faut pas confondre intimider (to scare) et impressionner (to impress).

Lastly, pay attention to the spelling. English speakers often want to add a double 'm' because of words like 'immense' or 'immediate'. However, intimider only has one 'm'. This is a minor but frequent spelling error. Also, remember that in the feminine form of the past participle used as an adjective, you must add an 'e': 'Elle est intimidée'. Missing this agreement is a common B1/B2 level mistake that can be easily avoided with a little focus on the gender of the person feeling the emotion.

Spelling Tip: One 'm', one 'n'. I-N-T-I-M-I-D-E-R.

Elle s'est sentie intimidée par l'accueil glacial du groupe.

C'est une erreur d'essayer d'intimider ses propres amis.

L'avocat a évité d'intimider le témoin trop brusquement.

To enrich your French vocabulary, it's helpful to know synonyms for intimider that fit different registers. For instance, impressionner is a great alternative when the feeling is more about being 'struck' by someone's presence rather than being scared. If you want to emphasize the fear aspect, effrayer (to frighten) or terroriser (to terrorize) are stronger. In a more psychological or intellectual sense, you might use déconcerter (to disconcert) or démonter (to unsettle/unhinge). These words allow you to be more precise about the kind of 'intimidation' occurring.

Comparison: Intimider vs Impressionner: 'Intimider' implies a loss of confidence or fear; 'Impressionner' implies admiration or being struck by greatness.

Sa réussite m'impressionne, mais elle ne m'intimide pas.

In a professional or formal setting, you might encounter brusquer (to rush or handle roughly) or mener la vie dure (to give someone a hard time). If the intimidation involves physical threats, menacer (to threaten) is the direct verb to use. For the feeling of being shy or 'shrunk' by a situation, se sentir tout petit (to feel very small) is a common idiomatic expression. Understanding these nuances helps you avoid overusing intimider and allows you to describe human emotions with greater fidelity. In slang or informal French, you might hear 'mettre la pression' (to put pressure on), which often serves the same communicative purpose as 'intimider'.

Comparison: Intimider vs Menacer: 'Intimider' is the psychological effect; 'Menacer' is the specific action of stating an intent to harm.

Il a tenté de la menacer pour l'intimider davantage.

Finally, consider the antonyms. To stop someone from being intimidated, you might rassurer (to reassure) or encourager (to encourage). If you want to give someone more confidence, you enhardissez (to embolden) them. Using these opposites in your practice will help solidify the meaning of intimider by defining its boundaries. In literary French, you might see transir (to chill/paralyze with fear), which is a very poetic way of describing extreme intimidation. By mapping out these related words, you build a 'semantic web' that makes the core word much easier to recall during a conversation.

Comparison: Intimider vs Déconcerter: 'Déconcerter' is more about surprise and confusion, while 'intimider' is rooted in fear or social pressure.

Son calme olympien a fini par déconcerter ceux qui voulaient l'intimider.

L'entraîneur a utilisé des mots forts pour rassurer ses joueurs intimidés.

Sa présence imposante suffit à intimider toute la salle sans dire un mot.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The root word 'timidus' also gives us 'timide' in French and 'timid' in English. It's all about the feeling of being small or afraid!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɛ̃.ti.mi.de/

US /ɛ̃.ti.mi.de/

In French, the stress is usually on the final syllable: in-ti-mi-DÉR.

Rhymes With

regarder manger aimer parler décider aider donner trouver

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'n' in 'in' (it should be nasal).
Pronouncing the final 'r' (it is silent).
Making the 'ti' sound like 'shi' (it should be a hard 't').
Stress on the first syllable.
Confusing the 'i' sound with 'ee' in English (keep it shorter and tighter).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize because it is an English cognate.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct conjugation and agreement in the passive voice.

Speaking 4/5

Requires mastering the nasal 'in' sound.

Listening 3/5

Can be confused with 'intimer' or 'intimer' in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

peur timide grand faire regarder

Learn Next

harceler menacer impressionner assurance confiance

Advanced

transir démonter suborner coercition oppression

Grammar to Know

Regular -er verb conjugation

Je m'intimide, tu t'intimides, il s'intimide...

Passive voice with 'être'

Elle a été intimidée par le discours.

Direct object pronoun placement

Il veut m'intimider (before the infinitive).

Agreement of the past participle with 'être'

Les filles ont été intimidées.

Reflexive causative 'se laisser' + infinitive

Ne vous laissez pas intimider.

Examples by Level

Il m'intimide beaucoup.

He intimidates me a lot.

Simple present tense with 'me' as a direct object pronoun.

Le grand chien m'intimide.

The big dog intimidates me.

Subject-Verb-Object order.

Elle est très intimidée.

She is very intimidated.

Passive state using 'être' + past participle (feminine agreement).

Ne sois pas intimidé !

Don't be intimidated!

Imperative mood with the verb 'être'.

Pourquoi m'intimides-tu ?

Why are you intimidating me?

Interrogative form with inversion.

Le professeur m'intimide un peu.

The teacher intimidates me a little.

Use of 'un peu' to soften the verb's impact.

Je ne veux pas t'intimider.

I don't want to intimidate you.

Infinitive after 'vouloir'.

Ils nous intimident tous.

They intimidate us all.

Plural subject and plural direct object pronoun.

J'ai été intimidé par son regard.

I was intimidated by his look.

Passé composé in the passive voice.

Il a essayé d'intimider le petit garçon.

He tried to intimidate the little boy.

Passé composé followed by an infinitive.

Cette grande maison m'intimide.

This big house intimidates me.

An inanimate object as the subject.

Tu ne dois pas te laisser intimider.

You must not let yourself be intimidated.

Reflexive causative construction 'se laisser' + infinitive.

Les examens intimident souvent les élèves.

Exams often intimidate students.

General statement in the present tense.

Elle ne s'est pas laissée intimider par lui.

She didn't let herself be intimidated by him.

Negative reflexive construction in passé composé.

C'est un patron qui aime intimider ses employés.

He is a boss who likes to intimidate his employees.

Relative clause with 'qui'.

Nous avons été un peu intimidés par la foule.

We were a bit intimidated by the crowd.

Plural passive agreement 'intimidés'.

L'ampleur du projet pourrait intimider l'équipe.

The scale of the project could intimidate the team.

Conditional mood 'pourrait' expressing possibility.

Il utilisait son autorité pour intimider ses collègues.

He used his authority to intimidate his colleagues.

Imparfait used for habitual action.

Rien ne semble pouvoir l'intimider dans la vie.

Nothing seems to be able to intimidate him in life.

Infinitive after 'pouvoir'.

Elle craignait que sa présence n'intimide les invités.

She feared that her presence might intimidate the guests.

Subjunctive mood after 'craindre que' with expletive 'ne'.

Ils ont réussi à l'intimider avec des menaces anonymes.

They managed to intimidate him with anonymous threats.

Preposition 'avec' indicating the means.

Il est facile d'intimider quelqu'un qui manque de confiance.

It is easy to intimidate someone who lacks confidence.

Impersonal construction 'Il est facile de'.

Le bruit des moteurs peut intimider les animaux sauvages.

The sound of engines can intimidate wild animals.

Abstract subject 'le bruit'.

Pourquoi cherches-tu toujours à m'intimider ainsi ?

Why do you always seek to intimidate me like that?

Use of 'chercher à' + infinitive.

Le gouvernement a tenté d'intimider l'opposition par des arrestations.

The government tried to intimidate the opposition through arrests.

Political context with 'tenter de'.

Il ne faut pas se laisser intimider par la complexité du problème.

One must not let oneself be intimidated by the complexity of the problem.

Impersonal 'Il ne faut pas' with reflexive causative.

Le témoin a refusé de parler, car il se sentait intimidé.

The witness refused to speak because he felt intimidated.

Causal conjunction 'car' with reflexive 'se sentir'.

Sa réputation d'avocat impitoyable suffit à intimider ses adversaires.

His reputation as a ruthless lawyer is enough to intimidate his opponents.

Subject is 'sa réputation'.

L'entreprise utilise des techniques de vente pour intimider les clients.

The company uses sales techniques to intimidate customers.

Describing a strategy or method.

Elle a surmonté sa peur d'être intimidée par le public.

She overcame her fear of being intimidated by the audience.

Passive infinitive 'être intimidée'.

Le silence glacial de la salle a fini par l'intimider.

The icy silence of the room eventually intimidated him.

Verb 'finir par' + infinitive.

On l'accuse d'avoir voulu intimider ses subordonnés.

He is accused of having wanted to intimidate his subordinates.

Past infinitive 'avoir voulu'.

Cette architecture monumentale semble conçue pour intimider le visiteur.

This monumental architecture seems designed to intimidate the visitor.

Passive past participle 'conçue' with purpose infinitive.

Il joue de son charisme pour intimider sans jamais proférer de menace.

He uses his charisma to intimidate without ever uttering a threat.

Nuance of 'jouer de' (to make use of).

Le discours visait à intimider les marchés financiers.

The speech aimed to intimidate the financial markets.

Abstract object 'les marchés financiers'.

Il est rare qu'un simple regard suffise à intimider un tel homme.

It is rare that a simple look suffices to intimidate such a man.

Subjunctive mood after 'Il est rare que'.

L'obscurité de la forêt, loin d'intimider le voyageur, l'apaisait.

The darkness of the forest, far from intimidating the traveler, soothed him.

Contrastive structure 'loin de' + infinitive.

Toute tentative d'intimider la presse est une attaque contre la démocratie.

Any attempt to intimidate the press is an attack on democracy.

Noun phrase 'tentative d'intimider'.

Elle ne se laissait jamais intimider par le jargon technique des experts.

She never let herself be intimidated by the technical jargon of the experts.

Negative habitual action in the imparfait.

L'herméneutique de la peur est souvent utilisée pour intimider les masses.

The hermeneutics of fear is often used to intimidate the masses.

High-level academic vocabulary.

L'immensité du vide sidéral peut intimider l'esprit le plus aguerri.

The immensity of the sidereal void can intimidate the most seasoned mind.

Poetic and technical language.

Sa prose, d'une complexité rare, finit par intimider le lecteur moyen.

His prose, of a rare complexity, eventually intimidates the average reader.

Describing literary effect.

Le souverain cherchait à intimider ses vassaux par des démonstrations de force.

The sovereign sought to intimidate his vassals through demonstrations of force.

Historical context.

Il ne faut pas que la majesté des lieux vous intimide outre mesure.

The majesty of the place must not intimidate you excessively.

Subjunctive with 'Il ne faut pas que' and adverbial phrase 'outre mesure'.

L'intimidation, bien que subtile, imprégnait chaque interaction du groupe.

The intimidation, though subtle, permeated every interaction of the group.

Using the noun 'intimidation' in a complex sentence.

Elle a su transformer son sentiment d'être intimidée en une force créatrice.

She knew how to transform her feeling of being intimidated into a creative force.

Abstract psychological transformation.

Nul ne saurait intimider celui qui n'a plus rien à perdre.

No one could intimidate him who has nothing left to lose.

Formal 'nul ne saurait' structure.

Le silence du désert possède une puissance capable d'intimider l'âme.

The silence of the desert possesses a power capable of intimidating the soul.

Metaphorical use of 'intimider'.

Common Collocations

Se laisser intimider

Intimider un témoin

Facile à intimider

Tenter d'intimider

Être intimidé par

Manœuvre d'intimidation

Viser à intimider

Sans se laisser intimider

Intimider l'adversaire

L'air intimidé

Common Phrases

Ne vous laissez pas intimider !

— A common way to tell someone to stay strong and not be scared.

C'est un défi, mais ne vous laissez pas intimider !

C'est de l'intimidation pure et simple.

— Used to call out someone's behavior as bullying.

Ce que tu fais, c'est de l'intimidation pure et simple.

Il a un regard qui intimide.

— Describes someone with a very intense or scary way of looking at people.

Fais attention, il a un regard qui intimide.

Je me sens intimidé.

— A simple way to express that you feel shy or overwhelmed.

Dans ce grand restaurant, je me sens intimidé.

L'intimidation au travail.

— Refers to workplace bullying or harassment.

Il y a une politique stricte contre l'intimidation au travail.

Il n'est pas facile à intimider.

— Describes someone who is very brave or has a lot of self-confidence.

Tu peux crier, il n'est pas facile à intimider.

Une présence intimidante.

— Describes someone whose very existence in a room makes others nervous.

Le général avait une présence intimidante.

L'intimidation des pairs.

— Refers to peer pressure or bullying among equals.

L'intimidation des pairs est un problème sérieux à l'école.

Il cherche à m'intimider.

— Used when you suspect someone is trying to make you afraid on purpose.

Arrête, je sais que tu cherches à m'intimider.

Être intimidé par le nombre.

— To feel overwhelmed by a large group of people or things.

Nous étions intimidés par le nombre de candidats.

Often Confused With

intimider vs Intimité

Means privacy or intimacy, not the act of intimidating.

intimider vs Intimer

A formal legal term meaning 'to order' or 'to notify'.

intimider vs Impressionner

Means to impress; can be positive, whereas intimider is usually negative.

Idioms & Expressions

"Mettre la pression"

— To put pressure on someone, often used as a synonym for psychological intimidation.

Le patron lui met la pression pour qu'il finisse le dossier.

Informal

"Faire les gros yeux"

— To look at someone sternly to intimidate or scold them, usually used with children.

Maman lui a fait les gros yeux pour qu'il se taise.

Child-friendly

"Montrer les dents"

— To show one's teeth, meaning to display strength or aggression to intimidate.

Le syndicat a montré les dents lors des négociations.

Metaphorical

"Faire le bras de fer"

— To engage in a trial of strength or a 'tug of war' of wills.

Ils font le bras de fer pour le contrôle de la société.

Neutral

"Prendre de haut"

— To look down on someone, which is a form of social intimidation.

Elle le prend de haut depuis sa promotion.

Informal

"Faire peur à un mort"

— To be extremely scary or intimidating (literally: to scare a dead person).

Avec ce masque, il ferait peur à un mort.

Slang/Hyperbolic

"Avoir le dessus"

— To have the upper hand, often achieved through intimidation.

Il a fini par avoir le dessus sur son rival.

Neutral

"Baisser les yeux"

— To lower one's eyes, the typical reaction of someone who is intimidated.

Il a baissé les yeux quand le directeur est entré.

Neutral

"Jouer les gros bras"

— To act like a tough guy to intimidate others.

Il joue les gros bras, mais il n'est pas méchant.

Informal

"Perdre ses moyens"

— To lose one's composure or ability to act because of intimidation.

Elle a perdu ses moyens devant le jury.

Neutral

Easily Confused

intimider vs Intimité

Similar root and sound.

Intimité refers to a private, close relationship or personal space. Intimider refers to causing fear.

Je respecte ton intimité, mais ne m'intimide pas.

intimider vs Intimer

Very similar spelling.

Intimer is a formal verb used in law to give an order (intimer l'ordre de). Intimider is psychological.

Le juge lui a intimé l'ordre de se taire.

intimider vs Effrayer

Similar meaning (to scare).

Effrayer is a sudden shock or fear. Intimider is a more lasting psychological pressure.

Le clown l'a effrayé, mais le patron l'intimide.

intimider vs Impressionner

Cognate confusion.

Impressionner is to leave an impression (often good). Intimider is to make someone feel small.

Son intelligence m'impressionne, elle ne m'intimide pas.

intimider vs Menacer

Related actions.

Menacer is the act of promising harm. Intimider is the result of that threat or just a presence.

Il me menace pour essayer de m'intimider.

Sentence Patterns

Il m'intimide.

Le prof m'intimide.

Je suis intimidé par [Nom].

Je suis intimidé par ce chien.

Ne pas se laisser intimider par [Nom].

Ne te laisse pas intimider par ses cris.

[Sujet] vise à intimider [Objet].

Cette loi vise à intimider les opposants.

L'ampleur de [Nom] suffit à intimider [Objet].

L'ampleur du désastre suffit à intimider les secours.

Sans pour autant intimider [Objet].

Il est ferme sans pour autant intimider ses enfants.

Nul ne saurait intimider [Objet].

Nul ne saurait intimider un esprit libre.

Une volonté d'intimidation manifeste.

On sentait une volonté d'intimidation manifeste dans ses propos.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Common in news, sports, and formal writing. Moderate in daily speech.

Common Mistakes

Using 'intimité' for 'intimidation'. → L'intimidation est interdite.
'Intimité' means privacy. Using it for bullying is a major false friend error.
Adding a double 'm': 'intimmider'. → Intimider.
French only uses one 'm' for this word, unlike some other 'im-' words.
Pronouncing the final 'r'. → Pronounce it like 'ay'.
In -er verbs, the 'r' is silent in the infinitive.
Using it to mean 'to hint'. → Il a insinué que...
This is a direct translation error from the English verb 'to intimate'.
Forgetting agreement in 'Elle est intimidé'. → Elle est intimidée.
Past participles used with 'être' must agree in gender and number.

Tips

Passive Agreement

When using 'être intimidé', don't forget to agree with the subject. 'Elle est intimidée' (add an 'e') and 'Ils sont intimidés' (add an 's').

False Friend

Never use 'intimité' to mean intimidation. 'Intimité' is your private life, like what you do at home. 'Intimidation' is what a bully does.

Nasal 'In'

The first syllable 'in' is nasal. Don't let your tongue touch the roof of your mouth for the 'n'. It's more of a vibration in the nose.

Professional Use

In a job interview, if you say 'Je suis un peu intimidé', it can show humility, but don't overdo it—you want to show 'confiance' too!

Reflexive Tip

Use 'ne pas se laisser intimider' to sound like a native. It's a very common way to encourage someone to stay strong.

Social Dynamics

In French culture, intellectual debate can be fierce. Don't be 'intimidé' by loud voices; it's often just a sign of passion!

Spelling

There is only one 'm' in 'intimider'. English speakers often double it because of 'immediate', but in French, it's single.

Verb vs Adjective

Listen for the ending. 'Intimider' (verb) and 'intimidé' (adjective) sound exactly the same! Context will tell you which one it is.

Softening the Blow

Use 'un peu' to soften the word. 'Il m'intimide un peu' sounds less dramatic than 'Il m'intimide'.

Subjunctive

Practice using it with 'Il faut que...'. 'Il ne faut pas que son succès vous intimide.' This is a great C1 level structure.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'IN-TIMID-ate'. You are putting someone 'IN' a 'TIMID' state. If they are timid, they are intimidated!

Visual Association

Imagine a giant shadow (the subject) looming over a small, shaking mouse (the object). The shadow is 'intimidant'.

Word Web

Peur Timidité Pouvoir Menace Harcèlement Sports Debat Autorité

Challenge

Try to use 'intimider' in three different tenses today: 'Il m'intimide', 'Il m'a intimidé', and 'Il va m'intimider'.

Word Origin

Derived from the Medieval Latin 'intimidare', which combines the prefix 'in-' (into) with 'timidus' (fearful). It entered the French language in the late 14th century.

Original meaning: To put into a state of fear or to make someone timid.

Romance (Latin root).

Cultural Context

Be careful when using this word to describe people of different social or ethnic backgrounds, as it can carry connotations of bullying or systemic power abuse.

English speakers often find 'intimider' easy to learn because it's a cognate, but they must be careful not to use it for 'intimacy'.

The Haka (Rugby) is often described in French as a way to 'intimider' the opponent. Napoleon was known for his ability to 'intimider' his generals with a single look. In the French film 'Le Prénom', intellectual intimidation is a major theme.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Sports

Intimider le gardien
Guerre psychologique
Imposer son physique
Ne pas trembler

Professional

Harcèlement moral
Abus de pouvoir
Mettre la pression
Déstabiliser un collègue

Academic

Examen intimidant
Professeur sévère
Prestige de l'école
Peur de l'échec

Legal

Intimidation de témoin
Menaces verbales
Preuve d'intimidation
Porter plainte

Social

Être timide
Rencontre impressionnante
Perdre ses mots
Prendre de l'assurance

Conversation Starters

"Est-ce que tu t'es déjà senti intimidé par quelqu'un de célèbre ?"

"Quelles sont les meilleures façons de ne pas se laisser intimider par un examen ?"

"Penses-tu que l'intimidation est un problème majeur dans les écoles aujourd'hui ?"

"Est-ce que la taille d'une personne suffit à t'intimider ?"

"Comment peut-on aider un ami qui est victime d'intimidation ?"

Journal Prompts

Décris une situation où tu as dû faire face à quelqu'un qui essayait de t'intimider.

Est-ce que tu penses être une personne intimidante pour les autres ? Pourquoi ?

Analyse comment les médias utilisent la peur pour intimider le public.

Réfléchis à la différence entre le respect et l'intimidation dans une relation.

Écris sur un défi qui te semblait intimidant mais que tu as finalement surmonté.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, it is very common, especially in formal contexts like news, politics, and sports. It is also used in schools to discuss bullying ('intimidation'). In daily life, it is used whenever someone feels shy or overwhelmed by another person's presence or a difficult situation.

'Faire peur' is the general term for making someone afraid. 'Intimider' is more specific; it implies a power dynamic where one person feels smaller or less confident because of the other. For example, a horror movie 'fait peur', but a powerful CEO 'intimide'.

Rarely. It usually implies a negative feeling of being overwhelmed or scared. However, in sports, a team might want to 'intimider' their opponent to win, which is seen as a valid (if aggressive) strategy.

It uses the auxiliary 'avoir'. For example: 'J'ai intimidé', 'Tu as intimidé', 'Il a intimidé'. If you are using it in the passive sense ('I was intimidated'), you use 'être': 'J'ai été intimidé(e)'.

Yes! An abstract thing or an object can intimidate. For example: 'Le silence m'intimide' (The silence intimidates me) or 'Cette montagne m'intimide' (This mountain intimidates me).

In Quebec French, 'intimidation' is the exact word used for 'bullying'. In France, they often use 'harcèlement scolaire', but 'intimidation' is still understood and used in similar contexts.

The best opposites are 'rassuré' (reassured), 'enhardi' (emboldened), or 'confiant' (confident). If someone is not intimidated, you can say they are 'imperturbable' or 'sûr d'eux'.

It can be ('s'intimider'), but it's rare. Usually, it's transitive ('intimider quelqu'un') or used in the passive ('être intimidé'). You might see 's'intimider l'un l'autre' for mutual intimidation.

No! That is a mistake based on the English verb 'to intimate'. In French, use 'insinuer' or 'laisser entendre' for 'to hint'.

The most common are 'intimidant' (intimidating) and 'intimidé' (intimidated). You also have 'timide' (shy), which comes from the same root.