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 of overpower

• subdue
• dominate
• conquer
• subject
• defeat

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

Eaten right out of the bag, the vinegar hit in this extra-sour bread is overpowering, but the flavor is tamed when it’s toasted. — Jolene Thym, Mercury News, 6 July 2026

The desire for freedom is overpowering, as is the potential for impulsive and rash decisions made in the moment. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026

Bungie quickly got out a few nerfs to items or bugs that were trivializing every boss encounter in the game, but if there is one outlier overpowered meta, that’s just going to stay. — Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

Almond butter offers an earthy nuttiness without totally overpowering the smoothie’s flavor—for more, use peanut butter, or try cashew for something more mild. — Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 July 2026

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