overawe
Subdue through grandeur
To overawe someone is to impress or intimidate them so thoroughly that they become subdued or compliant.
The word suggests a powerful effect that leaves the recipient feeling small or unable to resist: The young lawyer was overawed by the legendary judge.
Unlike simple intimidation, overawe often implies admiration mixed with fear—being struck by something so grand or formidable that opposition seems futile.
The sheer scale of the cathedral overawed the tourists into silence.
Discourage through fear
- cowFemale bovine
- unnerveDisturb someone's composure
- disconcertDisturb composure or poise
- dismayDistressed loss of courage
frighten · alarm · browbeat · abash · cower · deter · dishearten · overpower
Rule through intimidation
- subjugateBring under dominion
- suppressForcibly put an end to
- controlAuthority to direct
- commandAuthoritative instruction given
master · overbear · tyrannize · bully · cow · steamroll · strong-arm · boss
daunt
Discourage through fear
- cowFemale bovine
- unnerveDisturb someone's composure
- disconcertDisturb composure or poise
dismay · frighten · alarm · browbeat · abash · cower · deter · dishearten · overpower · overwhelm
domineer
Rule through intimidation
command · master · overbear · tyrannize · bully · cow · steamroll · strong-arm · boss · railroad
venerate
Honor with deep respect
prostrate · genuflect · defer · kowtow · bow · abase · kneel · submit · exalt · idolize
dazzle
Impress through radiance
amaze · stupefy · floor · wow · bedazzle · bewilder · take aback · blow away · strike dumb · knock out