redoubtable

[ ri-dou-tuh-buh l ]

/ rɪˈdaʊ tə bəl /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR redoubtable ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

that is to be feared; formidable.

commanding or evoking respect, reverence, or the like.

Nearby words

Origin of redoubtable

1325–75; Middle English redoutable < Middle French, equivalent to redout(er) to fear (re- re- + douter to fear, doubt) + -able -able

Related formsre·doubt·a·ble·ness, nounre·doubt·a·bly, adverb

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for redoubtable

Even the intelligence operations of the redoubtable New York City Police Department are under fire.
The Second Oldest Profession is Here to Stay|Christopher Dickey|October 25, 2013|DAILY BEAST
In the 1990s, progressive politicians led by the redoubtable Al Gore, viewed the “digital divide” as a dire national crisis.
Government Should Not Spend Big Bucks to Close Internet ‘Time-Wasting Divide’|Michael Medved|June 14, 2012|DAILY BEAST
And what about his replacement, the redoubtable Rosa Otunbayeva, a former foreign minister and ambassador to the U.S.?
The Afghanistan-Kyrgyzstan Connection|Thomas Goltz|June 19, 2010|DAILY BEAST
I was surprised to see such a redoubtable bear-slayer so modest and kindly.
Hunting with the Bow and Arrow|Saxton Pope

The one redoubtable enemy to the Hohenzollern dynasty was Russia.
German Problems and Personalities|Charles Sarolea
Then my guard and I walked up between the rows, and I stood in the presence of the redoubtable Christophe himself.
Latitude 19 degree|Mrs. Schuyler Crowninshield
Mayn't I have my little joke about your badness—your redoubtable badness of reputation?
The Fighting Chance|Robert W. Chambers
But a tradesman with sword on thigh and very prompt of stroke was not only redoubtable, he had become respectable also.
The Oxford Book of American Essays|Various

British Dictionary definitions for redoubtable

redoubtable

/ (rɪˈdaʊtəbəl) /

adjective

to be feared; formidable

worthy of respect

Derived Formsredoubtableness, nounredoubtably, adverb

Word Origin for redoubtable

C14: from Old French, from redouter to dread, from re- + douter to be afraid, doubt

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

Word Origin and History for redoubtable