Overawing

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. To evoke a strong feeling of admiration or fear in others through exceptional impressiveness or an overwhelming presence
2. To instigate deep respect or intimidation in individuals by demonstrating remarkable qualities or extraordinary force
3. To inspire a profound sense of awe or respect in people by showcasing impressive attributes or an undeniable command of a situation

Etymology: "Overawing" is simply the present participle of "overawe", and it inherits its meaning from the two halves of the verb. The "over-" prefix comes from Old English "ofer", a word tracing back through Proto-Germanic "uberu" to the Proto-Indo-European root for "over" or "above". Its sense of superiority or excess carries straight into the verb, so to overawe someone is to press down on them from above. The "awe" half is older still in English, with a meaning that has shifted from raw fear to reverence. Its Old English ancestor "ege" meant terror or dread, and the sense of respectful wonder that the word has now grown into developed later. The combination "overawe" was formed in English by attaching "over-" to "awe", producing a verb meaning to subdue someone through an overpowering impression of dread or respect.

Synonyms: intimidating, daunting, imposing, overwhelming, astonishing

Antonyms: encouraging, supporting, reassuring, comforting, inspiring