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 Studio Pro offer aggressive bass and strong highs, which might feel overpowering at times. —Prakhar Khanna, Forbes, 3 Jan. 2025

Those are solid numbers, but not overpowering as the Timberwolves expect. —Jon Krawczynski, The Athletic, 3 Jan. 2025

Anything overly sweet or high in alcohol has the potential to overpower or fatigue the palate and may result in guests needing to bow out before the ball drops. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Dec. 2024

Bitter-sensitive recipes: In delicately sweet dishes like shortbread, the bitterness of walnuts may overpower the flavor. —Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 25 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