top definitions
related content
examples
british

overawe

[ oh-ver-aw ]

/ ˌoʊ vərˈɔ /

SEE SYNONYMS FOR overawe ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object), o·ver·awed, o·ver·aw·ing.

to restrain or subdue by inspiring awe; intimidate: He often uses that imperious scowl to overawe his subordinates.

Origin of overawe

First recorded in 1570–80; over- + awe

Words nearby overawe

overarch, overarching, overarm, overate, overattentive, overawe, overbalance, overbank, overbear, overbearing, overbid

Example sentences from the Web for overawe

New York was not satisfied with the crafty legislation by which it sought to overawe the village across the river.

A History of the City of Brooklyn and Kings County Volume II |Stephen M. Ostrander
It was now Joe's duty to overawe and arrest the men, but they, although unarmed, overawed and arrested Joe.

The Book of the Bush |George Dunderdale
She sent forth hordes to mob printing-presses, overawe the ballot-box, substitute the bowie-knife and revolver for the civil law.

The Secret Service. |Albert D. Richardson
There is no exigency which should be allowed to overawe Congress in the performance of its constitutional duties.

A Report of the Debates and Proceedings in the Secret Sessions of the Conference Convention |Lucius Eugene Chittenden

It had become strong enough to overawe the monarchy, to insult the episcopate, and to defy the Pope.

A History of the Reformation (Vol. 2 of 2) |Thomas M. Lindsay

British Dictionary definitions for overawe

overawe

/ (ˌəʊvərˈɔː) /

verb

(tr) to subdue, restrain, or overcome by affecting with a feeling of awe