redoubtable

American  

[ri-dou-tuh-buhl] / rɪˈdaʊ tə bəl /

adjective

1. that is to be feared; formidable.

2. commanding or evoking respect, reverence, or the like.

---

redoubtable British  

/ rɪˈdaʊtəbəl /

adjective

1. to be feared; formidable

2. worthy of respect

---

Other Word Forms

• redoubtableness noun
• redoubtably adverb

Etymology

Origin of redoubtable

First recorded in 1400–50; Middle English redoutable, from Middle French, equivalent to redout(er) “to fear” ( re- re- + douter “to fear, doubt” ) + -able “be capable of”; doubt, -able

Example Sentences

Murphy Brown was the redoubtable b***h boss who tyrannized over her assistants.

From Salon

Elsewhere, his redoubtable work ethic saw him launch a record label and hip-hop magazine Vibe, as well as producing films like The Color Purple and TV shows including The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

From BBC

We have already seen the redoubtable power of abortion rights in virtually every election since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v.

From Salon

Saka, on the fifth anniversary of his senior Arsenal debut, was particularly redoubtable despite being frequently fouled.

From BBC

One was Tim Moore, the redoubtable Republican speaker of the state House.

From New York Times