intimidate one another

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intimidate one another" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing bullying, competition, or any situation where individuals create fear or apprehension in each other. Example: "In the workplace, some employees may feel pressured to intimidate one another to assert dominance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Rival business groups used contract killings to try to intimidate one another.

The New York Times

You hear it in the way his men – and nearly all his major characters are men – cajole and intimidate one another, even when they're supposed to be friends.

Independent

During the cold war, nuclear foes used underground blasts to try to intimidate one another — and perhaps to feel more manly.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Its "dark zone" area in the middle of the city, where players can either cooperate against some of the game's most difficult enemies or turn on one another, is intimidating and addictive.

Vice

Cellphone cameras and text messages, as well as social networking Web sites, e-mail and instant messaging, all give teenagers a wider range of ways to play tricks on one another, to tease and to intimidate their peers.

The New York Times

His grizzly, bearded face and the black leather bomber he dons further enforce an intimidating persona, but once we meet one another, a soft-spoken, patient voice reveals a different figure entirely.

Vice

They talk a lot slower, whereas Brits, I'm intimidated at how fast they speak to one another". Wiegertje, Netherlands.

Vice

One suggested remedy -- "fraternal correction," in which the independently powerful bishops would somehow track one another's accountability -- seems an ecclesiastical placebo, considering how fiercely some church leaders worked to hide the scandal by buying off and intimidating victims.

The New York Times

The dance of talking over one another followed by long pauses and "oh no, you go first" is unfamiliar, and so it can feel intimidating.

Vice

Use "one another" as instructed.

WikiHow

And, sometimes, a rather intimidating one.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing interactions within a group, use "intimidate one another" to convey a sense of mutual fear or pressure rather than a one-sided dynamic. This suggests a reciprocal relationship where intimidation is a shared experience.

Common error

Avoid using "intimidate one another" when the power dynamic is clearly one-sided. If one party is definitively the intimidator and the other the victim, a phrase like "intimidate someone" or "bully someone" is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intimidate one another" functions as a verb phrase describing a reciprocal action. It signifies a situation where multiple parties are engaging in acts intended to cause fear or submission in each other. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and effectively communicates mutual intimidation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "intimidate one another" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a reciprocal action of creating fear or apprehension. Ludwig's analysis, based on reliable sources, indicates that the phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts. While not exceptionally frequent, its usage is appropriate for conveying mutual intimidation dynamics. When writing, it is best to use this phrase when accurately reflecting situations where multiple parties actively generate fear in each other. Ludwig AI validates the proper usage of this expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bully each other

Focuses specifically on bullying behavior.

coerce one another

Emphasizes the use of force or pressure.

frighten each other

Highlights the act of causing fear.

menace one another

Suggests a threatening presence or action.

domineer over each other

Implies a power imbalance and control.

browbeat one another

Suggests aggressive verbal pressure.

harass one another

Highlights persistent and unwanted actions.

terrorize one another

Emphasizes extreme fear and intimidation.

oppress one another

Suggests systematic and unjust control.

victimize each other

Focuses on making someone a victim.

FAQs

How can I use "intimidate one another" in a sentence?

You can use "intimidate one another" to describe situations where individuals or groups mutually create an atmosphere of fear or apprehension, such as "Rival gangs may "bully each other" to gain territory".

What are some alternatives to "intimidate one another"?

Alternatives include "bully each other", "coerce one another", or "frighten each other", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "intimidate each other" instead of "intimidate one another"?

"Intimidate each other" is typically used when referring to two parties, while "intimidate one another" is used for three or more. However, in modern usage, "each other" is often used interchangeably regardless of the number of parties involved.

What's the difference between "intimidate one another" and "domineer over each other"?

"Intimidate one another" suggests creating fear or apprehension mutually. "Domineer over each other" implies a power imbalance where one party attempts to control the other through force or authority.