awe

/ɔ/

/ɔ/

Other forms: awed; awes; awing

Awe is a feeling of fear that is mixed with respect and wonder. You might gaze at the Grand Canyon with awe, marveling at its beauty and fearing its depth.

Awe dates back to Middle English, and was borrowed from Old Norse, a Scandinavian language. In Middle English the word referred to intense fear. The related English word awful originally meant "full of or causing intense fear." And awesome, which originally meant "inspiring awe" now is used generally as a synonym for excellent.

Definitions of awe

1. noun

   an overwhelming feeling of wonder or admiration
   “he stared over the edge with a feeling of awe”

   type of:

   admiration, wonder, wonderment

   the feeling aroused by something strange and surprising
2. noun

   a feeling of profound respect for someone or something
   synonyms: fear, reverence, veneration

   type of:

   emotion

   any strong feeling
3. verb

   inspire awe in
   “The famous professor awed the undergraduates”

   types:

   cow, overawe

   subdue, restrain, or overcome by affecting with a feeling of awe; frighten (as with threats)

   buffalo

   intimidate or overawe

   type of:

   affright, fright, frighten, scare

   cause fear in