awe

 
Pronunciation: /ɔː/

noun

[mass noun]
  • a feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear or wonder: they gazed in awe at the small mountain of diamonds the sight filled me with awe
  • archaic capacity to inspire awe: is it any wonder that Christmas Eve has lost its awe?

verb

[with object]
  • inspire with awe: they were both awed by the vastness of the forest

Phrases

be (or stand) in awe of

feel awe for: his staff members are in awe of him

Origin:

Old English ege 'terror, dread, awe', replaced in Middle English by forms related to Old Norse agi