Single word that combines the meaning of fear and fascination? [closed]
I guess it should be something like awe but instead of the respect component it has fear. Any suggestions?
Awe is actually the best you've got. Dictionaries actually point out that fear is a meaning included in awe:
a feeling of great respect sometimes mixed with fear or surprise:
- As children we were rather in awe of our grandfather. (Cambridge)
an emotion variously combining dread, veneration, and wonder that is inspired by authority or by the sacred or sublime
- stood in awe of the king (M-W)
Awe is the feeling of respect and amazement that you have when you are faced with something wonderful and often rather frightening.
- She filled me with a sense of awe. (Collins)
In fact the first two synonyms of awe suggested by Collins are wonder and fear.