intimidating

adjective

in·​tim·​i·​dat·​ing in-ˈti-mə-ˌdā-tiŋ 

: causing a loss of courage or self-confidence : producing feelings of fear or timidity

an intimidating snarl

a boss with a very intimidating manner

The Red Army athletes were the most intimidating of competitors.

—Ian Thomsen

First jobs are intimidating for everyone, but few people have to cope with the stresses of the workplace at such a tender age as ballet dancers do.

—Daphne Hurford

intimidatingly adverb

The ship was eerily, intimidatingly empty …

—Anthony Bourdain

… according to the architect Richard Rogers, [Daniel] Libeskind's work isn't just formally arresting—it is intimidatingly smart.

—Jason Cowley

Synonyms

• alarming
• dire
• direful
• dread
• dreadful
• fearful
• fearsome
• forbidding
• formidable
• frightening
• frightful
• ghastly
• hair-raising
• horrendous
• horrible
• horrifying
• redoubtable
• scary
• shocking
• spine-chilling
• terrible
• terrifying

Examples of intimidating in a Sentence

the school's seniors faced the intimidating prospect of the college entrance exams

an intimidating bodyguard keeping the fans away from the pop star

Recent Examples on the Web

What was more intimidating, going into the house your first season or going into the Traitors castle? Going into the Traitors castle. —Zoë Haylock, Vulture, 6 Feb. 2025

The 6-foot-5 junior forward is an intimidating shot-blocker. —Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 6 Feb. 2025

Leroy Garrett What to know: Devin Walker is one of the craftiest (and most entertaining) players in the last decade of Challenges, having ruffled the feathers of even the most intimidating players (see: Johnny Bananas). —Randall Colburn, EW.com, 31 Jan. 2025

Familiar music can ease the transition into a practice that might otherwise feel intimidating or overwhelming. —Adam Husler, Outside Online, 29 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1748, in the meaning defined above