adj.
Pronunciation: ' fo ̇ r-m ə -d ə -b ə l; fo ̇ r- ' mi-, f ə r- ' mi-
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin formidabilis, from formidare to fear, from formido terror, bogey; akin to Greek morm ō bogey
Date: 15th century
1 : causing fear, dread, or apprehension <a formidable prospect>
2 : having qualities that discourage approach or attack
3 : tending to inspire awe or wonder : IMPRESSIVE
– for · mi · da · bil · i · ty \ ˌ fo ̇ r-m ə -d ə - ' bi-l ə -t ē ; fo ̇ r- ˌ mi-, f ə r- ˌ \ noun
– for · mi · da · ble · ness \ ' fo ̇ r-m ə -d ə -b ə l-n ə s; fo ̇ r- ' mi-, f ə r- ' \ noun
– for · mi · da · bly \ -bl ē \ adverb