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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Even at age 37 Chapman remained among the hardest throwers in baseball, hitting 103 mph on the radar gun while routinely overpowering opposing hitters. Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 18 Oct. 2025 The cinnamon adds warmth without overpowering, and the black tea underneath gives it just enough bite to keep things from getting too sweet. Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2025 Expect lively notes of lemon zest, grapefruit, and green apple, anchored by a soft minerality that adds depth without overpowering. Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Oct. 2025 The pretty playmakers, particularly those deep in midfield, would be overpowered by athletic destroyers and box-to-box runners. Michael Cox, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Overpower.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overpower. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

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
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