What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
threat
Example
The company received a threat from a competitor to stop the project. [threat: noun]
Example
He threatened to quit his job if he didn't get a raise. [threatened: past tense verb]
intimidation
Example
The witness felt intimidated by the aggressive questioning from the lawyer. [intimidated: past participle]
Example
The boss used intimidation to keep the employees in line. [intimidation: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Threat is more commonly used than intimidation in everyday language. Threat is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, while intimidation is less common and often associated with more extreme or aggressive behavior.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between threat and intimidation?
Both threat and intimidation can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, intimidation is often associated with a more negative connotation and may be considered more informal or even slang in some contexts.
