fearsome
[feer-suh m]
- causing fear: a fearsome noise.
- causing awe or respect: a fearsome self-confidence.
- afraid; timid.
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Origin of fearsome
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words
scary, awe-inspiring, impressive, intimidating, imposing, awesome, horrible, powerful, terrible, frightful, terrifying, formidable, shocking, frightening, distressing, massive, striking, tremendous, alarmed, apprehensiveExamples from the Web for fearsome
Contemporary Examples
Gus Connolly, a broad middle-aged man with a thick red beard, was working at the Games dressed as a fearsome Scottish warrior.
The tiger is one of the most fearsome predators of the animal kingdom.
On more than one occasion, Stallworth undercuts the image of Grand Wizard David Duke as a fearsome figure.
She missed the rampant spying on its own citizens by the fearsome FSB.
The former Arkansas governor called for a military so "fearsome" that "no one dares poke it."
Historical Examples
Allis crept to her father like a fearsome child avoiding goblins.
ThoroughbredsW. A. Fraser
And Czerny could live here, cheek by jowl with these fearsome mysteries!
The House Under the SeaSir Max Pemberton
I'm that fearsome, that I declare I shiver and quake at nothing.
A Son of HagarSir Hall Caine
This is the twenty-seventh time we've had you up for this heinous, fearsome crime.
Mixed FacesRoy Norton
Others joined in fearsome averment: "Truly this was the Son of God."
Jesus the ChristJames Edward Talmage
fearsome
- frightening
- timorous; afraid
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for fearsome
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper