Synonyms

overawe

American

[oh-ver-aw] / ˌoʊ vərˈɔ /

verb (used with object)

overawed, overawing

to restrain or subdue by inspiring awe; intimidate.

He often uses that imperious scowl to overawe his subordinates.

overawe British

/ ˌəʊvərˈɔː /

verb

(tr) to subdue, restrain, or overcome by affecting with a feeling of awe

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of overawe

First recorded in 1570–80; over- + awe

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Both are experienced, so are unlikely to be overawed if called upon.

From BBC

He is 27, so should be at his peak, old enough to not be overawed by the Premier League stage.

From BBC

She was not overawed by this occasion, carrying the weight of the British number one tag at Wimbledon amid an electric atmosphere, with the crowd eager to celebrate her every success.

From BBC

"He's certainly not overawed. I mean, I love that. You want kids to be themselves and he's just being himself. He doesn't know any different," said Farrell.

From BBC

Outplayed and overawed in the first set, a superb backhand winner gave the Frenchwoman a crucial break in the second set.

From BBC

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023