overawe

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "overawe" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use the word "overawe" when you want to express that someone or something is deeply impressed or intimidated by another person or thing. For example, "The size and grandeur of the palace overawed the visitors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

History will remember for ever that the Soviet Union began to unravel on Reagan's watch, helped on its way both by the affable cold warrior's determination to overawe the "evil empire" with a vast hike in military spending and by the unexpected rapport he established with Mikhail Gorbachev.

The Economist

They have not quite matched the show sometimes given by workers at the Venetian arsenal, who would assemble a galley in a single day in order to overawe visiting foreign dignitaries.

The Economist

In early August the British commander, General John Burgoyne, hoped to capture needed supplies and overawe New Englanders by dispatching a well-equipped regiment to Bennington under the German colonel Friedrich Baum.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Prior to the 1870s Europeans could overawe native peoples along the coasts of Africa and Asia but lacked the firepower, mobility, and communications that would have been needed to pacify the interior.

Encyclopedia Britannica

At Gage's headquarters in Boston, he had four regiments perhaps 4,000 men under his command, and Parliament deemed that force sufficient to overawe the population in his vicinity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In so far as you can overawe Henry Kissinger, it was the only time I ever saw him slightly overawed.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

He might be a greenhorn but he was not overawed.

The Guardian - Sport

Certainly nothing is more essential to the survival in freedom of small peripheral countries which might otherwise be harried and cowed into subjection by the communist powers though this reasoning will scarcely be uppermost in the minds of peoples who are already either attracted or overawed by communist feats.

The Economist

Harder than it looks Witness in paint Authorised life ReprintsThat original secrecy Mr Kissinger was sufficiently paranoid about leaks to do away with American interpreters allowed the small handful of American officials involved in China policy to be overawed, and to fall for Chinese flattery.

The Economist

This feeling of being overawed, under-equipped but well-rewarded is familiar to anyone lucky enough to write about China's vertiginous economy.

The Economist

Older players advise youngsters not to be overawed.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "overawe" when you want to convey a sense of dominance or control achieved through inspiring awe or fear, particularly in contexts where power dynamics are at play.

Common error

Avoid using "overawe" when you simply mean to impress or admire. "Overawe" implies a stronger effect, often involving an element of intimidation or enforced respect.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "overawe" is a transitive verb. It describes the action of causing someone to feel awe or intimidation, influencing their behavior or perception. Ludwig AI confirms this through its analysis of various examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Encyclopedias

21%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Academia

6%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The verb "overawe" describes the act of instilling a feeling of awe or intimidation, often to assert dominance or control. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that it is grammatically correct and commonly used in news, encyclopedias, and other formal contexts. While similar to "intimidate" or "impress greatly", "overawe" carries a specific connotation of inspiring both respect and a degree of fear. Use it carefully to accurately convey the intended power dynamic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intimidate

Directly suggests creating fear to control someone.

strike fear into

Emphasizes instilling fear as the primary means of influence.

inspire awe

Emphasizes the feeling of awe rather than the act of intimidating.

command respect

Focuses on eliciting respect rather than fear or intimidation.

subdue

Focuses on bringing someone or something under control.

dominate

Implies control through power or skill, not necessarily through fear.

command obedience

Highlights the aspect of gaining compliance through authority.

hold in check

Implies restraining or controlling someone or something.

keep under control

Focuses on maintaining control over a situation or person.

impress greatly

Highlights making a strong impression, which may or may not involve intimidation.

FAQs

How can I use "overawe" in a sentence?

You can use "overawe" to describe how someone is subdued or restrained by a feeling of awe or fear. For example, "The dictator sought to "strike fear into" the population with displays of military might to "overawe" any dissent".

What words are similar to "overawe"?

Similar words include "intimidate", "subdue", "command respect", or "inspire awe", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "overawe" the same as "overawed"?

"Overawe" is the verb (to cause someone to feel awe), while "overawed" is the past participle or adjective (feeling awe). For example, "The spectacle would "overawe" the audience," versus "The audience was "overawed" by the spectacle".

When is it appropriate to use "overawe"?

It is appropriate to use "overawe" when describing the act of instilling a feeling of awe or fear, especially in situations involving authority, power, or impressive displays. Avoid using it when simply expressing admiration or being impressed.