fearsome

[feer-suhm]

adjective

1. causing fear.

   a fearsome noise.

2. causing awe or respect.

   a fearsome self-confidence.

3. afraid; timid.

fearsome

/ ˈfɪəsəm /

adjective

1. frightening

2. timorous; afraid

Other Word Forms

• fearsomely adverb
• fearsomeness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of fearsome¹

First recorded in 1760–70; fear + -some ¹

Example Sentences

As is the case in these mysteries, the upstanding citizens are propped up by a whole lot of lowlifes, but few as fearsome as Scott Shepherd’s chilly construction manager, Allen Murphy.

From Salon

It was a time when the Turkish Baybasins gang, also known as the Hackney Turks, or Bombacilars, had a fearsome reputation.

From BBC

Her steely determination helped her brush off such a brutal defeat, as well as making her a fearsome opponent.

From BBC

A jagged behemoth straddling the China-Pakistan border, it is a mountain with a fearsome reputation.

From BBC

It also established that between the two helmets, while the Mandalorian armor’s may look cooler, Peacemaker’s various lids are far more fearsome.

From Salon

Related Words

• awe-inspiring 
• awesome 
• formidable 
• frightening www.thesaurus.com
• frightful 
• horrible 
• intimidating 
• powerful 
• scary 
• terrible 
• terrifying