Awe1, n.
n. [A-S. oga, ege, aige, fear, dread; Goth. agis, Icel. ogn, Dan. ave, chastisement, fear, from the Goth. agan, ogan, to fear, ogjan, Icel. aegia, to strike with fear, Dan. ave, to chastise, correct.] 1. Profound fear mingled with admiration or reverence; dread inspired by something great, terrific, or sublime; reverential fear. His frown was full of terror, and his voice Shook the delinquent with such fits of awe. Cowper. 2. Overawing influence. [Obs.] “By my scepter’s awe I make a vow.” Shak. Syn.—AWE, REVERENCE, DREAD, VENERATION. Reverence is a strong sentiment of respect and esteem, sometimes mingled slightly with fear; as, reverence for the divine law. Awe is a mixed feeling of sublimity and dread in view of something great or terrible, but not necessarily implying love; as, awe at the divine presence. Dread is strong personal fear in view of something terrible; as, dread of punishment. Veneration is reverence in its strongest manifestations. It is the highest emotion we can exercise toward human beings. Exalted and noble objects produce reverence; terrific objects awaken dread; a sense of the divine presence fills us with awe; a union of wisdom and virtue in one who is advanced in years inspires us with veneration.