Overawe Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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overawe

[ˌoʊ.vərˈɔː ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

influence

To impress or influence someone by the size, power, or importance of something.

Synonyms

awe, daunt, impress, intimidate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
overawe	Used when someone is made to feel excessively intimidated or frightened by someone or something that appears very powerful or capable. Often indicates a higher level of intimidation. The grandeur of the palace overawed the visitors. The sheer size of the army overawed the defenders.
intimidate	Applicable when someone is made to feel frightened or nervous, specifically with the intention of making them less confident. Often carries a negative connotation. The bully's tactics were meant to intimidate the younger kids. Her sharp and aggressive tone was intended to intimidate her opponents.
daunt	Used when someone is made to feel intimidated or discouraged by something that appears challenging or difficult. Often indicates a feeling of being overwhelmed but not necessarily frightened. The steep climb did not daunt the experienced hikers. The amount of work left for the project was daunting for the team.
awe	Appropriate when expressing a feeling of respect mixed with fear or wonder, usually inspired by something grand, powerful, or impressive. The children gazed in awe at the fireworks display. The scientist was in awe of the vastness of the universe.
impress	Utilized when someone creates a strong and positive impact on another person, often in a way that evokes admiration or approval. She wanted to impress her boss with her presentation skills. The magician's tricks always impress the audience.

Examples of usage

He was overawed by the grandeur of the palace.
The teacher's strict demeanor overawed the students.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

fear

To make someone feel frightened or unable to act because someone or something is very impressive or powerful.

Synonyms

frighten, petrify, scare, terrify.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
overawe	Used when someone is impressed and intimidated by someone or something's greatness or power. The majestic view of the mountains overawed the tourists The young player was overawed by the presence of his football idols
terrify	Used when someone or something causes intense fear, stronger than 'frighten' and 'scare' and often used in more serious contexts. The idea of speaking in public terrifies her The thought of losing a loved one can terrify anyone
scare	Similar to 'frighten', often used in casual contexts to describe something that causes someone to feel fear or anxiety. The sudden barking of the dog scared me Horror movies are designed to scare their audience
frighten	A general term used when something causes fear or makes someone feel afraid, can be used in everyday situations. The loud noise frightened the baby Dark alleys at night can frighten people
petrify	Used in situations where someone is so scared that they are unable to move or think, often metaphorical. The sight of the giant spider petrified her The ghost story petrified the children

Examples of usage

The sheer size of the opponent overawed him.
Her intelligence overawed her colleagues.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

Many poets have used the word to describe nature's beauty that stirs deep feelings in the soul.
In Shakespeare's works, the theme of being overawed often appears in characters' reactions to beauty and power.
Romantic literature frequently employs this term, particularly in descriptions of sublime landscapes.

Psychology

Experiencing awe can trigger the release of chemicals in the brain that induce feelings of happiness and fulfillment.
Research shows that moments of awe can make people feel more connected to others, fostering a sense of community.
Awe-inspiring experiences can lead to a decrease in the perception of time, making moments feel richer and more memorable.

Art

Many artists strive to evoke feelings of awe in their work, using scale, brightness, and movement to enhance dramatic effect.
Architecture often aims to overawe visitors, as seen in the grand designs of cathedrals and palaces.
The use of light and shadow is a common technique in visual arts to create a sense of awe.

Pop Culture

Epic films often aim to overawe audiences with stunning visuals and dramatic storylines, leaving lasting impressions.
In music, compositions that build to a powerful climax can evoke a sense of awe, enhancing emotional responses.
Live performances, particularly in theater and concerts, frequently aim to create awe moments to engage the audience fully.

Origin of 'overawe'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the prefix 'over-', meaning above or beyond, and 'awe', which refers to a feeling of reverence mixed with fear or wonder.
It has roots in Middle English, combining elements of awe with a sense of being overwhelmed.
It emphasizes a strong emotional response to something impressive, differing from simpler forms of amazement.

The word 'overawe' originated from the combination of 'over' and 'awe'. It first appeared in the early 18th century in English literature. The concept of overwhelming someone with awe or fear has been a common theme throughout history, with references in various cultures and mythologies.

See also: awe, awed, awesome, awestruck.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,166 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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31163 teasingly
31164 angularity
31165 musicology
31166 overawe
31167 handmaiden
31168 verbalization
31169 agronomist
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