1 overawe | Definition of overawe

overawe

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

Definition of overawe

transitive verb

: to restrain or subdue by awe

Examples of overawe in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Would a team known as big-tournament chokers be overawed by the occasion of hosting a Women's World Cup? Grant Wahl, SI.com, "France's Opening Statement Impossible to Ignore at Women's World Cup," 7 June 2019 The game often seems devastatingly intent on overawing players with its painstakingly detailed recreations of the ancient or the medieval. Daniel Starkey, Ars Technica, "Assassin’s Creed Odyssey," 4 Oct. 2018 The hosts weren't overawed by the occasion in the opening stages of the game and their young winger Milot Rashica was their biggest attacking outlet, getting the better of Lukasz Piszczek on more than one occasion. SI.com, "Bremen 1-1 Dortmund: BVB Denied Hard-Fought Win But Edge Closer to UCL Qualification," 29 Apr. 2018 Philosophers and others in the field of the humanities who helped shape previous concepts of world order tend to be disadvantaged, lacking knowledge of AI’s mechanisms or being overawed by its capacities. Henry A. Kissinger, The Atlantic, "How the Enlightenment Ends," 15 May 2018 Liverpool youngster Trent Alexander-Arnold has insisted will not be overawed by lining up against Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo when the two sides meet in the Champions League final. SI.com, "Liverpool Starlet Relishing 'Honour' of Stopping Real Madrid Superstar Ronaldo in UCL Final," 15 May 2018 The visitors started the game brightly and weren't overawed by the occasion. SI.com, "Dortmund 3-0 Stuttgart: Slice of Luck Helps BVB Dispatch Swabians to Close Gap on Rivals," 8 Apr. 2018 The Exiles certainly were not overawed by the occasion or the surroundings and worked hard while Spurs maintained possession without really testing Joe Day in the visitors' goal. SI.com, "WATCH: Tottenham Takes Care of Business vs. Newport in FA Cup Replay," 7 Feb. 2018 Imagine a Scott Baio–level has-been speaking before a rapt audience at the Democratic National Convention or a celebrity on the order of Ted Nugent leaving Democrats overawed. Kevin D. Williamson, National Review, "Why Not President Oprah?," 8 Jan. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'overawe.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of overawe

1579, in the meaning defined above

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More Definitions for overawe

overawe

verb

English Language Learners Definition of overawe

: to make (someone) unable to think, speak, or behave normally because of a strong feeling of respect and fear

More from Merriam-Webster on overawe

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with overawe

Spanish Central: Translation of overawe

Nglish: Translation of overawe for Spanish Speakers