redoubtable

adjective

re·​doubt·​able ri-ˈdau̇-tə-bəl 

1

: causing fear or alarm : formidable

2

: illustrious, eminent

broadly : worthy of respect

redoubtably

ri-ˈdau̇-tə-blē 

adverb

Did you know?

The word redoubtable is worthy of respect itself, if only for its longevity. It has been used in English for things that cause fear, dread, and apprehension since at least the 15th century and comes to us through Middle English from the Anglo-French verb reduter, meaning "to dread." That word comes ultimately from Latin dubitare, "to be in doubt" (by way of Anglo-French duter, douter, meaning "to doubt," also the source of English doubt). Things or people that are formidable and alarming can also inspire awe and even admiration, and it wasn't long before the meaning of redoubtable was extended from "formidable" to "illustrious" and "worthy of respect."

Synonyms

• alarming
• dire
• direful
• dread
• dreadful
• fearful
• fearsome
• forbidding
• formidable
• frightening
• frightful
• ghastly
• hair-raising
• horrendous
• horrible
• horrifying
• intimidating
• scary
• shocking
• spine-chilling
• terrible
• terrifying

Examples of redoubtable in a Sentence

There is a new biography of the redoubtable Winston Churchill.

his next opponent, the reigning champion, would be by far the most redoubtable adversary the young boxer had ever faced

Recent Examples on the Web

Silvers had founded The Review, in 1963, with a coterie of friends, including Lowell’s longtime wife, the redoubtable critic Elizabeth Hardwick. —Negar Azimi, The New Yorker, 12 Dec. 2024

But LuPone, even in a Joan Jett wig, is not the type of diva who surrenders her own redoubtable persona. —Helen Shaw, The New Yorker, 19 Sep. 2024

The author relates the famous episode that followed the redoubtable Gen. John Pershing’s inspection of the division in which Marshall was serving. —Barbara Spindel, The Christian Science Monitor, 6 June 2024

Now 30, Can has been a central figure in Dortmund’s improbable run to the Champions League final, acting as a redoubtable presence in midfield, an occasional reinforcement in defense, and a composed, charismatic leader. —Rory Smith, New York Times, 31 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English redoutable, from Anglo-French, from reduter to dread, from re- + duter to doubt

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Kids Definition

redoubtable

adjective

re·​doubt·​able ri-ˈdau̇t-ə-bəl 

: causing fear or dread : formidable

a redoubtable warrior

redoubtably

-blē 

adverb