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.
Think notes of florals, Italian citrus fruit, and a soothing blend of musky notes that aren't overpowering, just delightful. Danielle Sinay, Glamour, 28 May 2025 Between Guimaraes, Tonali and Joelinton, Newcastle has the physicality to overpower any opponent in central midfield. Graham Ruthven, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025 The Knicks fans — the same ones who had overpowered the performance of the Star Spangled Banner by bellowing ‘LET’S GO KNICKS’ one at a time between every line — tried and failed to get a ‘REFS, YOU SUCK’ chant off the ground. Kyle Wagner, New York Daily News, 23 May 2025 Aaron Ekblad would probably be here without his recent suspension, and Florida’s top four defensemen in general are overpowering due to their size and skating. Corey Pronman, New York Times, 20 May 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 5 Jun. 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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