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Intimidate

2 stages from Medieval Latin to English.

Today it means to frighten into action

Where does the word "intimidate" come from? It comes from Medieval Latin intimidare, adopted directly into English (1640s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
intimidare
Medieval Latin · medieval
"to make timid"
'in-' plus 'timidus', fearful
2
Stage 2 of 2
intimidate
English · 1640s
"to frighten"
'intimidating' followed
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Read the full story

Intimidate’s story begins in Medieval Latin: intimidare meant “to make timid.” 'in-' plus 'timidus', fearful. It reached English by 1640s as intimidate. 'intimidating' followed. Today, intimidate means to frighten into action.