intimidate
in-TIM-ih-daytverbMeaning to frighten someone, often to make them do what you want
Memory hook in-TIMID-ate: makes you TIMID. The barn cat puffs up and hisses, and the little mouse turns timid and backs away from the cheese. The cat intimidates the mouse.
The big dog’s deep bark intimidated the mail carrier.
In context Rex tried to intimidate the younger players by glaring and stomping, but they simply ignored him and went on with their game.
Similar frighten, scare, bully, daunt
Opposite reassure, encourage, comfort
From Medieval Latin intimidare, “to make afraid”: in (into) + timidus (fearful).