towering Definition

tower
noun

1a. A tall narrow structure, usually circular or square in shape, that often forms part of a larger lower building such as a church or castle;

Thesaurus: steeple, belfry, turret, , lighthouse, obelisk.
1b. A tall free-standing structure built for a specified purpose, such as for defence, as a lookout, for housing machinery, etc.

Example: a control tower
2. A fortress, especially one with one or more towers.

Example: the Tower of London

verb, intr towered, towering

1. To reach a great height, or rise high above it or them.

Thesaurus: rise, soar, loom.
Form: tower above something (usually)
Form: tower above someone
2. To be considerably taller than them or to be intellectually superior to them.

Thesaurus: surpass, transcend, exceed, dominate, eclipse.
Form: tower over someone (usually)

Derivative: towered
adj

Derivative: towering

See separate entry.

Etymology: Anglo-Saxon torr.

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towering
adj

1. Reaching a great height; very tall or elevated.

Example: towering mountains
Thesaurus: high, colossal, imposing, monumental, gigantic, soaring, tall, lofty, elevated.
2. Said of rage, fury, a storm, the sea, etc: intense; violent.

Thesaurus: imposing, magnificent, transcendent, monumental, paramount, loft, elevated.
3. Very impressive, important or lofty.

Example: a towering intellect