overpower

verb

over·​pow·​er ˌō-vər-ˈpau̇(-ə)r How to pronounce overpower (audio)
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 adverb

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Despite showing early resilience, she was ultimately overpowered by Cyborg’s striking pressure and precision. Jenn Nelson, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025 The dish was spicy and tickled the back of my throat, but there was a good balance of heat that was not overpowering. Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 May 2025 Needham played a tenacious style of volleyball, overpowering defending state champion Newton North (20-25, 25-16, 25-16, 25-19) for an impressive road victory. Justin Barrasso, Boston Herald, 9 May 2025 The camps were surrounded by open-pit latrines, and the smell of sewage was overpowering; children lay around with flies on them. Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for overpower

Word History

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of overpower was in 1597

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Overpower.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overpower. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

overpower

verb
over·​pow·​er ˌō-vər-ˈpau̇(-ə)r How to pronounce overpower (audio)
1
: to overcome by greater force : defeat
2
: overwhelm sense 2
overpowered by hunger
overpoweringly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on overpower

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!