Drĕad'ful, a.

a. 1. Full of dread or terror; filled with extreme apprehension. [Obs.] “With dreadful heart.” Chaucer.

2. Inspiring dread; impressing great fear; fearful; terrible; as, a dreadful storm. “Dreadful gloom.” Milton.
3. Inspiring awe or reverence.

How dreadful is this place! Gen. xxviii. 17. Syn.— Frightful; terrific; terrible; horrible; tremendous; awful; venerable. See FRIGHTFUL.