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

But even if neither side can overpower the other right now and both accept a settlement, peace is unlikely to last. — Mohammad Ayatollahi Tabaar, Foreign Affairs, 1 Oct. 2026

Though badly hurt, Indian captain Smit Machchhar fought back and opened the cockpit door, letting passengers and crew overpower the attacker. — Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 1 Oct. 2026

An Israeli man who helped overpower the Flydubai suspect has described the moment that chaos erupted on the flight in an exclusive interview with CNN. — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026

This perception of threat, intertwined with a harsh interpretation of religious morality, dominated 17th-century life, with the optimistic, protective and compassionate aspects of Christianity often overpowered by fear and a desire to judge. — Literary Hub, 28 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