overpower

verb

over·​pow·​er ˌō-vər-ˈpau̇(-ə)r 

overpowered; overpowering; overpowers

transitive verb

1

: to overcome by superior force : subdue

2

: to affect with overwhelming intensity

the stench overpowered us

3

: to provide with more power than is needed or desirable

a dangerously overpowered car

overpoweringly

ˌō-vər-ˈpau̇(-ə)r-iŋ-lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• conquer
• dominate
• pacify
• subdue
• subject
• subjugate
• subordinate
• vanquish

Examples of overpower in a Sentence

She was able to overpower her attacker.

The police overpowered the man and handcuffed him.

The troops were overpowered by the stronger enemy forces.

His personality overpowers everyone else's.

The delicate taste of the wine was overpowered by the spiciness of the food.

Recent Examples on the Web

But she was also overpowered by the Colombian, as was holding midfielder Yui Hasegawa, who stood little chance in a midfield battle between the two. —Michael Cox, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025

While a passer-by might see no progress on the site and assume the builders are inept or lazy, they've simply been overpowered. —New Atlas, 26 Mar. 2025

Would the strong sausage flavor overpower the delicate lobster? —Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Mar. 2025

Prince overpowered Notre Dame freshman Kate Koval, who went scoreless and eventually fouled out. —Chantel Jennings, The Athletic, 25 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for overpower

• candlepower
• cauliflower
• superpower
• vavasour
• waterpower
• airpower
• brainpower
• devour
• empower
• firepower
• horsepower
• manpower

Kids Definition

overpower

verb

over·​pow·​er ˌō-vər-ˈpau̇(-ə)r 

1

: to overcome by greater force : defeat

2

: overwhelm sense 2

overpowered by hunger

overpoweringly

-ˈpau̇r-iŋ-lē 

adverb