Overawed

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. Experiencing a mix of admiration and fear that makes one feel small or powerless
2. Being so impressed by something grand or powerful that it causes a sense of submission or awe
3. Having a strong emotional response that combines respect and intimidation, leading to silence or hesitation

Etymology: "Overawe" is a straightforward formation: the prefix "over-" attached to "awe," meaning to overwhelm someone with awe, or to hold them in check through fear and reverence. "Awe" itself traces back through Middle English "ege" and Old Norse "agi," a word for dread or terror, so the sense of fear was there from the start. The prefix "over-" descends from Old English "ofer," which meant "above" or "beyond," and it carries the same sense here: the feeling rises above and beyond the person until they are pressed down by it. "Overawed" is the past form of this verb, describing someone who has been so struck by admiration mixed with fear that they feel small or powerless. The combination is apt, because the word joins a notion of being surpassed, pressed beneath something greater, with the older fear buried in "awe."

Synonyms: astonished, amazed, stunned, awed, dumbfounded

Antonyms: unimpressed, indifferent, nonchalant, bored, apathetic