intimidatory
Designed to scare
Intimidatory describes something intended to frighten or coerce through threat of harm or consequences: intimidatory tactics, intimidatory behavior.
The word is more common in British English and legal contexts than in everyday American speech, where intimidating usually serves the same purpose.
Force upon contact
- compelForce to act
- forceStrength or compulsion
- browbeatingIntimidating with stern pressure
- strongarmCompel by intimidation
extort · blackmail · leverage · arm-twisting · duress · coercion · steamroll · railroad
Conveying threat or danger
- threateningExpressing intent to harm
- ominousSuggesting something bad approaches
- dauntingDiscouraging through difficulty
- forebodingFearful anticipation of harm
sinister · alarming · frightening · chilling · dire · grim · scary · eerie
Insincere behavior for effect
- glaringHarshly conspicuous or bright
- stalkingStealthy, persistent pursuit
- staring downIntimidating through eye contact
- sneeringExpressing scorn facially
scowling · snarling · swaggering · leering · towering over · crowding · flexing · puffing up
Arrogantly dominating in manner
- dominatingExercising supreme control
- imperiousArrogantly authoritative
- authoritarianFavoring absolute control
- tyrannicalExercising power unjustly
dictatorial · high-handed · bossy · controlling · oppressive · suppressive · despotic · bullheaded
Aggressively unfriendly
- belligerentHostile and eager to clash
- confrontationalInclined toward hostile encounters
- combativeInclined toward conflict
- bellicoseInclined toward aggression
truculent · pugnacious · fierce · ferocious · antagonistic · provocative · warlike · hawkish
Aggressive, unwanted targeting
- hazingAbusive initiation practices
- tormentingCausing severe distress
- victimizationBeing made to suffer
- persecutionSystematic mistreatment of groups
targeting · ganging up · mobbing · cyberbullying · trolling · dogpiling · hounding · picking on
pressure
Force upon contact
- compelForce to act
- forceStrength or compulsion
- browbeatingIntimidating with stern pressure
strongarm · extort · blackmail · leverage · arm-twisting · duress · coercion · steamroll · railroad · bulldoze
menacing
Conveying threat or danger
- threateningExpressing intent to harm
- ominousSuggesting something bad approaches
- dauntingDiscouraging through difficulty
foreboding · sinister · alarming · frightening · chilling · dire · grim · scary · eerie · dreadful
posturing
Insincere behavior for effect
- glaringHarshly conspicuous or bright
- stalkingStealthy, persistent pursuit
- staring downIntimidating through eye contact
sneering · scowling · snarling · swaggering · leering · towering over · crowding · flexing · puffing up · cornering
overbearing
Arrogantly dominating in manner
- dominatingExercising supreme control
- imperiousArrogantly authoritative
- authoritarianFavoring absolute control
tyrannical · dictatorial · high-handed · bossy · controlling · oppressive · suppressive · despotic · bullheaded · iron-fisted
hostile
Aggressively unfriendly
- belligerentHostile and eager to clash
- confrontationalInclined toward hostile encounters
- combativeInclined toward conflict
bellicose · truculent · pugnacious · fierce · ferocious · antagonistic · provocative · warlike · hawkish · in-your-face
harassment
Aggressive, unwanted targeting
- hazingAbusive initiation practices
- tormentingCausing severe distress
- victimizationBeing made to suffer
persecution · targeting · ganging up · mobbing · cyberbullying · trolling · dogpiling · hounding · picking on · singling out
intimidatoryreassuring
Restoring calm or confidence
comforting · encouraging · soothing · calming · welcoming
intimidatorysupportive
Offering help and reassurance
helping · empowering · nurturing · protective · benevolent