What is intimidation?

Intimidation is when someone tries to influence your behaviour by making you afraid, for example by threatening negative consequences. Intimidation can take place physically, when someone’s “comfort zone” is crossed or threatened. An example is when someone literally corners you and threatens you verbally.

Intimidation can also take a verbal form. This may involve blackmail, manipulation, or someone putting pressure on you. Unfortunately, both forms of intimidation occur in the workplace. Sexual intimidation also falls under this category. You can read more about this here.