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

This sandwich starts with BoJaynes’ creamy, savory curry chicken salad that’s packed with flavor without overpowering the rest of the components, topped on with lettuce, tomatoes, onions and banana peppers. — Justin Brown, AJC.com, 20 Sep. 2026

The Jets established their new identity by overpowering Tennessee. — Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 20 Sep. 2026

On the day, Mahone, who was with the men in disguise, rushed onto the bus in Jerash after the driver was overpowered, grabbed her daughter, fought off Burns’ chaperone and sprinted to the getaway car. — Johnny Dodd, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2026

Newcastle were not only beaten, but they were also bullied and battered into submission — physically overpowered and outplayed in every facet. — Chris Waugh, New York Times, 15 Sep. 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