慑 (shè) - to fear & to be awed

慑Tone 4

shè ｜ 13 strokes ｜ radical:

上姝

慑 · shè

to fear;

to be awed;

to intimidate;

to frighten;

to be in awe of.

to fearto be awedto intimidate

Usage highlights

to be intimidated byto strike aweto be awed and submitfear and trepidationpowerful and intimidatingto frighten into submission

Synonyms

  • 惧— to fear; to be afraid
  • 畏— to fear; to dread
  • 恐— to fear; to terrify
  • 骇— to be astonished; to be shocked

Antonyms

  • 勇— brave; courageous
  • 敢— daring; bold
  • 无畏— fearless

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The army's might intimidated the enemy (慑于军威).
  • He was awed by the grandeur of the palace (慑于宫殿的宏伟).
  • The tiger's roar frightened the villagers (虎啸慑人).

Collocations

  • to be intimidated by(慑于)
  • to strike awe(慑服)
  • to be awed and submit(慑服)
  • fear and trepidation(慑慑)
  • powerful and intimidating(威慑)
  • to frighten into submission(慑伏)

Idioms

  • To be awed into submission(慑服)
  • To be intimidated by power and influence(慑于威势)
  • To be frightened out of one's wits(魂慑色沮)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The character 慑 carries connotations of psychological pressure and submission through fear or awe, often in military or hierarchical contexts.
  • In classical texts, it describes the effect of overwhelming moral virtue or military might that causes others to submit willingly or unwillingly.
  • The radical 忄(heart/mind) indicates this is an emotional or psychological state of being intimidated.

FAQ