fearsome
UK: ˈfɪəsəm | US: ˈfɪrsəm
adj. causing fear or awe; terrifying or intimidating
adj. extreme in degree or extent (e.g., "a fearsome workload")
The word "fearsome" combines "fear" (Old English fǣr, meaning "dread" or "danger") with the suffix "-some" (Old English -sum, meaning "characterized by" or "productive of"). This suffix is also seen in words like "handsome" (originally "easy to handle") and "troublesome." Over time, "fearsome" evolved to describe things that inspire fear or awe, often with a connotation of grandeur or intensity. The logic is straightforward: if something is "fear-some," it is full of or causes fear.
The dragon's fearsome roar echoed through the valley.
She faced the interview with fearsome determination.
The storm brought fearsome winds that uprooted trees.
His reputation as a fearsome competitor made others hesitant to challenge him.
The mountain's fearsome cliffs deterred all but the most experienced climbers.