intimidation

Forms

intimidation f (plural intimidations)^[1]

Etymology

It is formed from French intimider + -ation.^[2][1][3] The verb (1515) is itself formed on timide with the prefix in-, and the adjective is from Latin timidus (“fearful”), from timeō (“to fear”).^[2][4]

Earliest recorded meaning

Rabelais uses it in 1552, in the dedicatory epistle of the Quart Livre: hors toute intimidation.^[2][5][3] According to the DHLF it was first a legal term.^[6]

Semantic evolution

Like the verb, which began as a legal term meaning “to threaten seriously” (1515), the noun started in law and was used more widely from 1803, especially of a state or regime that relies on threats (1836).^[6] The idea of fear, present in the Latin source, is stronger in this noun than in the verb, which weakened to “to make someone lose their self-assurance” (1662).^[6][2] The noun too can name the result of being intimidated, a loss of composure before someone or something.^[2][7]

English intimidation (1650s) is a noun of action from intimidate, perhaps modelled on the French word.^[8]

Timeline

• 1515 – The verb intimider appears as a legal term.^[2][6]
• 1552 – Rabelais uses intimidation in the Quart Livre.^[2][4]
• 1803 – The noun is used more widely outside the law.^[6]
• 1836 – It is said of a state that rules by threats.^[6]

Meanings

Noun

1. The act of intimidating someone, frightening them with threats or pressure, and its result: agir par intimidation, une campagne d'intimidation.^[2][9][7]
2. A feeling of unease or loss of self-assurance in front of someone or something: une légère intimidation devant ses juges.^[2][7]

Related words

• intimider
• timide
• intimidant

References

1. ^ a b c Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
2. ^ a b c d e f g h i Trésor de la langue française informatisé (2004), ATILF – CNRS & Université de Lorraine, atilf.fr/tlfi; electronic version of Imbs, Paul; Quemada, Bernard, eds. (1971–1994), Trésor de la langue française, Paris: CNRS / Gallimard
3. ^ a b Rey, Alain, ed. (2005), Le Grand Robert de la langue française, electronic version, Paris: Le Robert
4. ^ a b Bloch, Oscar; Wartburg, Walther von (1989), Dictionnaire étymologique de la langue française, 8th ed., Paris: Presses universitaires de France
5. ^ Littré, Émile (1873–1877), Dictionnaire de la langue française, 4 vols. and supplement, Paris: Hachette
6. ^ a b c d e f Rey, Alain, ed. (1992), Dictionnaire historique de la langue française, Paris: Le Robert
7. ^ a b c Guilbert, Louis; Lagane, René; Niobey, Georges, eds. (1971–1978; 1989), Grand Larousse de la langue française, Paris: Larousse
8. ^ Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com
9. ^ Rey-Debove, Josette; Rey, Alain, eds. (2007), Le Petit Robert de la langue française, Paris: Le Robert