ɔː ɹə.viːɹ ˈɹɛv.ə.ɹəns ˈɹɛv.ə.ɹəns ˈvɛnəɹeɪt ˌvɛnəˈɹeɪʃən an act showing respect (especially a bow or curtsy) regard with feelings of respect and reverence; consider hallowed or exalted or be in awe of Fear God as your father We venerate genius a reverent mental attitude a feeling of profound respect for someone or something the fear of God the Chinese reverence for the dead the French treat food with gentle reverence his respect for the law bordered on veneration