awe

[aw]

noun

1. an overwhelming feeling of reverence, admiration, fear, etc., produced by that which is grand, sublime, extremely powerful, or the like.

   in awe of God; in awe of great political figures.

   Synonyms: veneration, wonder
   Antonyms: contempt, apathy

2. Archaic.,  power to inspire fear or reverence.

3. Obsolete.,  fear or dread.

verb (used with object)

awed, awing 

1. to inspire with awe.

2. to influence or restrain by awe.

awe

/ ɔː /

noun

1. overwhelming wonder, admiration, respect, or dread

2. archaic,  power to inspire fear or reverence

verb

1. (tr) to inspire with reverence or dread

Other Word Forms

• outawe verb (used with object)
• aweless adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of awe¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English aghe, awe, from Scandinavian; compare Old Norse agi “fear,” cognate with Gothic agis, Old English ege, Greek áchos “pain”

Word History and Origins

Origin of awe¹

C13: from Old Norse agi; related to Gothic agis fear, Greek akhesthai to be grieved

Example Sentences

Nicholas Allan said he was "in awe" of what the war detectives had done, and that he was "so grateful" for their work.

Read more on BBC

He’s also grabbed some clogs — not to wear but to look at — and he notes that his wife “hates them,” but he’s happily in awe of the pair.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Urban Realm's current editor John Glenday says the award was intended as a "shock and awe" approach which would help galvanise communities that need help.

Read more on BBC

At one point, Trout says something to Alberto’s young son, who is watching in awe.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Raymond, “Sound Machine” is an intimate image of a young child’s fear and awe for his dad, using a heavy-duty piece of music equipment as the source of his power.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• alarm 
• astonish 
• daunt 
• dazzle 
• flabbergast 
• frighten 
• horrify 
• impress 
• intimidate 
• scare 
• startle 
• stun 
• stupefy 
• terrify