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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Historic Dodgers overpower Yankees for 8th World Series title New L.A. Times book ‘Best in Sho’ commemorates Dodgers’ World Series winning season And finally The Dodgers win the World Series. Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2024 Enhanced by the olive oil flavor, but not overpowered. Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 30 Oct. 2024 Plus, the light, refreshing scent of pink grapefruit and fresh rose will leave your hair smelling amazing without being overpowering. Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 25 Oct. 2024 Using a stronger cheese like Roquefort in place of a milder option, such as Gorgonzola Dolce, may require reducing the amount to avoid overpowering the dish. Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 20 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near overpower

Cite this Entry

“Overpower.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overpower. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

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!