Meanings
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1
verb
to subdue, restrain, or intimidate someone by inspiring overwhelming awe or fear
The imposing courtroom seemed designed to overawe every visitor who entered.
Thesaurus
Etymology
A transparent English formation from over- in the sense "excessively or completely" + awe. It originally conveyed overcoming or controlling a person through reverential fear, and now usually emphasizes intimidation by an impressive presence or display.