Definition

Causing fear or dread; frightening or intimidating.

Example

The fearsome dragon guarded the treasure with fierce loyalty.

Comparatives & Superlatives

Conversation

Did you see that movie with the fearsome dragon?

Yeah, it was really intense!

I can't believe how fearsome the special effects were.

I know, right? It made the whole thing so much more exciting.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Fearsome → It is formed from "fear" (from Old English "fǣr", meaning a feeling of anxiety or dread) and "-some" (meaning characterized by or causing). The word "fearsome" describes something that is characterized by fear or that causes fear.

Memory Tip

Think of something that causes a feeling of anxiety or dread — that's what fearsome means.

Visually Confused Words