overawe

[ oh-ver-aw ]

verb (used with object)

, o·ver·awed, o·ver·aw·ing.

1. to restrain or subdue by inspiring awe; intimidate:

   He often uses that imperious scowl to overawe his subordinates.

overawe

/ ˌəʊvərˈɔː /

verb

1. tr to subdue, restrain, or overcome by affecting with a feeling of awe

Word History and Origins

Origin of overawe¹

First recorded in 1570–80; over- + awe

Example Sentences

Many had wondered whether the occasion would overawe Cameron, but she cut a relaxed figure as 'Don't worry about a thing' rang out during her ring walk.

From BBC

Since conversion was thought to excuse conquest, these devotional artworks had to overawe their viewers.

From New York Times

The challenge of Test cricket would not overawe him.

From BBC

Jonathan’s impetuosity, and the manifest singleness of his purpose, seemed to overawe those in front of him; instinctively they cowered, aside and let him pass.

From Literature

And yet in doing so they looked leaden and reactive, disjointed and disenchanted, producing a performance that will embolden rather than overawe their remaining rivals in the competition.

From The Guardian

Related Words

• alarm
• bother
• confuse
• dampen
• daunt
• demoralize
• depress
• dismay
• frighten
• intimidate
• irk
• scare
• trouble
• unnerve