awing

awe

 (ô)

n.

1. A feeling of respect or reverence mixed with dread and wonder, often inspired by something majestic or powerful: "There was a fierce purpose in the gale ... that seemed directed at him, and made him hold his breath in awe" (Joseph Conrad).

2. Archaic

a. The power to inspire dread.

b. Dread.

tr.v. awed, aw·ing, awes

To fill with awe: tourists who are awed by the ancient monument.

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[Middle English aue, from Old Norse agi.]

Thesaurus

Adj.

1.

awing - inspiring awe or admiration or wonder; "New York is an amazing city"; "the Grand Canyon is an awe-inspiring sight"; "the awesome complexity of the universe"; "this sea, whose gently awful stirrings seem to speak of some hidden soul beneath"- Melville; "Westminster Hall's awing majesty, so vast, so high, so silent" awe-inspiring, awesome, amazing, awful impressive - making a strong or vivid impression; "an impressive ceremony"