Definition of: formidable

(fôr′mi·də·bəl) adjective
1. Exciting fear; felt as dangerous to encounter.
2. Difficult to accomplish. [<MF <L formidabilis <formidare fear]
—for′mi·da·ble·ness noun
—for′mi·da·bly adverb Synonyms: dangerous, redoubtable, redoubted, terrible, tremendous. That which is formidable is worthy of fear if encountered or opposed; as, a formidable array of troops, or of evidence. Formidable is a word of more dignity than dangerous, and suggests more calm and collected power than terrible; formidable is less overwhelming than tremendous. A loaded gun is dangerous; a battery of artillery is formidable. A dangerous man is likely to do mischief, and needs watching; a formidable man may not be dangerous if not attacked; an enraged maniac is terrible; the force of ocean waves in a storm, the silent pressure in the ocean depths, are tremendous. Antonyms: contemptible, despicable, feeble, harmless, helpless, powerless, weak.