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

With most rose fragrances, the rose basically overpowers the whole thing, and this one splits the focus. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 21 Nov. 2025

The fan-favorite scent is fresh and clean but won’t overpower your fragrance selection. —Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 18 Nov. 2025

The mini dress featured a strapless design with two overpowering crepe roses featured on front, with one located on the bodice and another on the skirt. —Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 17 Nov. 2025

South Korean actress and K-pop singer Nana managed to overpower a home intruder alongside her mother, local police said on Sunday. —CBS News, 16 Nov. 2025

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