overawe

[oh-ver-aw]

verb (used with object)

overawed, overawing 

1. to restrain or subdue by inspiring awe; intimidate.

   He often uses that imperious scowl to overawe his subordinates.

overawe

/ ˌəʊvərˈɔː /

verb

1. (tr) to subdue, restrain, or overcome by affecting with a feeling of awe

Word History and Origins

Origin of overawe¹

First recorded in 1570–80; over- + awe

Example Sentences

He is 27, so should be at his peak, old enough to not be overawed by the Premier League stage.

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She was not overawed by this occasion, carrying the weight of the British number one tag at Wimbledon amid an electric atmosphere, with the crowd eager to celebrate her every success.

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"He's certainly not overawed. I mean, I love that. You want kids to be themselves and he's just being himself. He doesn't know any different," said Farrell.

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Outplayed and overawed in the first set, a superb backhand winner gave the Frenchwoman a crucial break in the second set.

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For some young players, the attention might be overawing.

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Related Words

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