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

Scotland may be an Associate nation, with a fraction of the funding and resources of a full member like England, but they were not overawed by the occasion.

From BBC

Despite being the youngest player to start a competitive match for Scotland since Willie Johnston in 1965, he did not look overawed or cowed.

From BBC

Pausing to reflect, the singer is momentarily overawed.

From BBC

Hearts looked somewhat overawed by the occasion, and struggled to retain possession under relentless pressure from a revived Rangers.

From BBC

They could have easily been overawed by the barrage of PSG pressure their side were under when they were introduced but they turned the game on its head.

From BBC

Related Words

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