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 Texans overpowered the Los Angeles Chargers 32-12 on Saturday to advance to the divisional round of the NFL playoffs next weekend. —Jay R. Jordan, Axios, 13 Jan. 2025

Spiro tries and tries to get up, but he is overpowered. —Martin McKenzie-Murray, SPIN, 7 Jan. 2025

Detroit simply overpowered Minnesota, scoring the game’s final 21 points. —Zak Keefer, The Athletic, 6 Jan. 2025

Neither flavor was overpowering and was in fact quite refreshing. —Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 2 Jan. 2025

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