- (transitive) to subdue, restrain, or overcome with a feeling of awe
WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026
o•ver•awe /ˌoʊvərˈɔ/USA pronunciation
v. [~ + object], -awed, -aw•ing.
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026- to fill (someone) with a feeling of awe, fear, or respect;
intimidate:He was overawed by the huge office.
o•ver•awe
(ō′vər ô′),USA pronunciation v.t., -awed, -aw•ing.
- to restrain or subdue by inspiring awe;
intimidate:He often uses that imperious scowl to overawe his subordinates.
- over- + awe 1570–80
Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::
overawe /ˌəʊvərˈɔː/ vb