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

Okongwu is switchable on defense, but he can be overpowered by bigger, stronger centers around the basket. — Michael Cunningham, AJC.com, 23 June 2026

On Tuesday, more stocks gained ground within the S&P 500 than fell, but tech companies overpowered gains elsewhere. — Damian J. Troise, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2026

Pickled Fresnos punch up the dish with a nice bit of briney tang that’s followed by a warming spice that isn’t overpowering but keeps you coming back for more. — Amanda Stanfield, Southern Living, 22 June 2026

From airy mesh fabrics to sleek, low-profile shapes, this season’s trending shoes have a way of elevating an outfit without overpowering it. — Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 21 June 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