1. to inspire overwhelming wonder, fear, or respect in someone; to intimidate by an impressive display of power or authority
Usage: transitive verb

Examples

• The massive cathedral was designed to overawe visitors with its soaring spires.
• The judge’s stern demeanor seemed to overawe the young defendant.
• She refused to be overawed by the famous director’s reputation.
• The sheer size of the mountain range overawed the hikers.
• The CEO’s presence overawed the new employees during the meeting.
• The elaborate ceremony was meant to overawe foreign dignitaries.
• Don’t let their fancy degrees overawe you into silence.