Overawe

To Overawe is to impress or intimidate someone so much that they become silent, subdued, or respectful. It involves inspiring a sense of reverence, fear, or wonder, often due to one's power, authority, brilliance, or the scale of something impressive. The effect of being overawed can manifest as a reluctance to challenge, question, or disagree. It creates a feeling of being humbled or overwhelmed by the perceived significance or magnitude of the subject. Overawing isn't necessarily negative; it can be a response to beauty, talent, or achievement, causing respect rather than outright fear, but the common thread is a silencing or humbling effect on the individual experiencing it. The word captures a potent mix of admiration and inhibition, as the subject becomes awestruck, often to the point of deference.

Overawe meaning with examples

• The young interns were thoroughly overawed by the CEO's presence. They were intimidated by his sharp intelligence and the sheer scale of his achievements. They hesitated to speak during the meeting, fearing to make mistakes in front of such an imposing figure. They were humbled by his experience and the level of responsibility he held.
• Standing before the vastness of the Grand Canyon, the hikers were overawed. The sheer scale and majesty of the natural wonder left them speechless. Their initial awe turned into a quiet appreciation of nature's artistry, realizing their insignificance against such a spectacle. Their cameras became an extension of a need to save this spectacle.
• The acclaimed artist’s new exhibition was designed to Overawe viewers. The overwhelming size of the canvases, with their bold and complex compositions left guests at the opening feeling small and humbled. The calculated placement of the artworks demanded respect, the overall impression designed to silence any possible criticism.
• The champion boxer’s reputation was crafted to Overawe his opponents. He projected an aura of invincibility and dominance. He carefully cultivated an air of supreme confidence in the press. The goal was to intimidate and cause rivals to doubt their abilities, to make them already feel defeated before stepping into the ring.