intimidating
UK[ɪnˈtɪmɪdeɪtɪŋ]US[ɪnˈtɪmɪdeɪtɪŋ]
adj
Making someone feel frightened or nervous, especially so that they lose their confidence or feel forced to do something.
Morpheme Breakdown
in
timid
ating
in
timid
ating
Etymology
The word 'intimidating' originates from the Medieval Latin verb 'intimidare,' which itself is a compound of the Latin prefix 'in-' (here used to intensify or cause a state) and the adjective 'timidus,' meaning "fearful." 'Timidus' derives from the Latin verb 'timere,' "to fear," a word of ancient and uncertain Proto-Indo-European origin. The literal construction "to make (someone) into a state of fear" perfectly captures the modern abstract meaning. The English form developed by adding the participial suffix '-ating' to the verb 'intimidate,' creating an adjective that describes the action of causing fear or awe.
Analysis
Structure: in + timid + ating
- in (Latin): A prefix meaning "in, into, on, upon," used here in an intensive or causative sense.
- timid (Latin): A root meaning "fearful, afraid."
- ating (English): A suffix forming the present participle of verbs, used here to create an adjective.
Examples
She found the interview panel's silence deeply intimidating.
The sheer size of the ancient cathedral was intimidating.
He has an intimidating manner, but he's actually very kind.