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

We also meet Malini the Magician, about whose tricks and feats of legerdemain “stories are still told, with a true sense of awe, by some of the world’s greatest magicians.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

It’s a scene reminiscent of that of Prince Phillip’s final battle with dragon Maleficent, leaving the crowd in awe.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Expressions of fake awe about motorcycle gangs that pass by displaying Confederate flags and other racist symbols of the Old South and revving their engines for attention.

Read more on Salon

Arlene said she was honoured to unveil the artwork and added: "I am in awe of what the small but dedicated organ donation team achieve and will be forever grateful to them."

Read more on BBC

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

Related Words

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