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

The base notes of vanilla, musk, and moss create this incredibly addictive skin-like warmth that doesn’t overpower. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 20 Dec. 2024

This low-alcohol, sweet, and bubbly vino is an elegant pairing that won’t overpower shortbread’s delicate flavors. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Dec. 2024

Unlike the overpowering Chiefs teams of Mahomes' past, these back-to-back defending Super Bowl champions are achieving wins by operating greater than the sum of its parts. —Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024

My fellow Big Mac skeptic Victoria and I felt the Double Big Mac was overpowering with its puddle of Big Mac sauce and mound of beef patties, resulting in our below-average ratings of 1/5 and 2.5/5, respectively. —Grace Tucker, The Enquirer, 17 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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