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

• aweless adjective
• outawe verb (used with object)

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

The rest of the “tiny” people in the St. Francis High gym are gawking in awe at his 7-9 wingspan.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

China has long awed visitors with wonders such as the Great Wall and the terracotta warriors buried in an ancient tomb.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

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

Related Words

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