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, aw·ing.

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

Derived Forms

• ˈaweless, adjective

Other Words From

• outawe verb (used with object) outawed outawing

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 are in absolute awe of Alfred," Ms Gunston said.

From BBC

We listened in rapt, reverential awe, cozied by Vienna’s velvet strings, velvet winds and velvet brass woven together in a perfect tapestry of lush sonic textures and instrumental colors.

From Los Angeles Times

Southern California is filled with gorgeous Buddhist temples, meditation gardens, churches and synagogues that inspire awe.

From Los Angeles Times

Although Harbaugh is in awe of his quarterback’s toughness that inspires teammates, the coach remains concerned about the hits Herbert is shaking off.

From Los Angeles Times

Dropping off his ballot in Oakland, Kasper Dilmaghani, 35, said even thinking about having voted for a Black woman from Oakland for president was awe inspiring.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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