Sentence:  With these gadgets - impressive to the gullible because of their flashing light bulbs , ticks , and buzzes - he then carries out a vicious medical con game , capitalizing on people 's <WSD>respect</WSD> for the electrical and atomic wonders of our scientific age . 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  the condition of being honored (esteemed or respected or well regarded)