overawe

verb

over·​awe ˌō-vər-ˈȯ How to pronounce overawe (audio)
overawed; overawing; overawes

transitive verb

: to restrain or subdue by awe

Examples of overawe in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But both McGuinness and his successor, Frank O’Farrell, seemed overawed by the size of the job, which, as well as trying to cover the post-Busby void, included the difficulties of handling Bobby Charlton’s decline and George Best’s off-pitch problems. Oliver Kay, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2025 He didn’t get ruffled by a noisy Rod Laver Arena crowd, or overawed by the occasion. John Pye, USA TODAY, 27 Jan. 2024 Possibly, his mere celebrity presence and oratory skills overawed his audiences. Albert Camus, Foreign Affairs, 24 Oct. 2023 The scientific community, says Bennetto, was not overawed. Bennett Daviss, Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2019 See All Example Sentences for overawe

Word History

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overawe was in 1579

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Overawe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overawe. Accessed 28 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

overawe

verb
over·​awe ˌō-və-ˈrȯ How to pronounce overawe (audio)
: to make quiet or peaceful with fear, respect, or wonder

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