"To intimidate the opponent" means to purposely make someone feel scared, threatened, or fearful in order to gain an advantage or control over them during a competition, argument, or conflict. Full definition
The formal negotiation is on and the U.S. is trying to intimidate its opponents with a long list of demands. (canadianbusiness.com)
The only thing I care about is the fact that we don't intimidate opponents the way those Pittsburgh Pirate teams I played on did. (si.com)
Over the past few years, the Obama administration has actively worked to isolate, vilify, and intimidate opponents of abortion, for instance, making it increasingly difficult for them to run a business or operate in the public square in accordance with their convictions. (firstthings.com)