awe

Creating, instilling, or demanding a sensation of reverence, admiration, and/or (potentially) fear. Her writing is absolutely awe inspiring; it stirs emotions in me I didn't think were possible. The destructive power of nature is truly awe inspiring.

fearful and respectful of someone or something. Everyone in the country was in awe of the king and queen. I love my new car. In fact, I'm in awe of it.

Fig. to be overwhelmed with respect for someone or something. Many people stand in awe of the president. Bob says he stands in awe of a big juicy steak. I think he's exaggerating.

admiring someone or something very much I was a kid during World War II, and I was in awe of the guys who flew these planes.

Also, stand in awe of. Respect and revere someone or something, experience a feeling of solemn wonder, as in All of us are in awe of his many achievements. This expression dates from about a.d. 1000 and originally meant "fear something or someone." Later awe came to mean "dread mingled with respect," and eventually it signified reverence alone.