intimidator
UK[ɪnˈtɪm.ɪ.deɪ.tər]US[ɪnˈtɪm.ɪ.deɪ.t̬ɚ]
n
a person who frightens or overawes someone, especially to make them do something.
Morpheme Breakdown
in
timid
ator
in
in, into, towards
timid
fearful, afraid
ator
a person or thing that does something
Etymology
the word 'intimidator' is built upon the latin verb 'intimidare', which itself was formed from the prefix 'in-' (meaning 'into' or 'towards') and the adjective 'timidus' (meaning 'fearful'). the literal sense was 'to make fearful' or 'to put fear into'. the agent noun suffix '-ator' was then appended to create a term for one who performs this action. thus, the etymological logic moves from the state of being timid (fearful) to the act of causing that state in others, culminating in the designation for the person who carries out that act.
Analysis
Structure: in + timid + ator
in- (latin, prefix meaning 'in, into, towards'), timid (latin, root meaning 'fearful, afraid'), -ator (latin, agent noun suffix meaning 'a person or thing that does something').
Examples
the aggressive driver was known as a road intimidator, tailgating other cars to force them out of his way.
in the courtroom, the prosecutor acted as an intimidator, using a harsh tone to unsettle the witness.
the older sibling often played the role of an intimidator, threatening to tell their parents about minor misdeeds.