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.
At 155 pounds, Brighton’s Matilda Hruby overpowered Shylee Tuzon and stuck her 22 seconds into the third period. Patrick Saunders, The Denver Post, 17 Feb. 2025 Ken’s Steak House Creamy Caesar Dressing: The toasted garlic flavor here was overpowering, and there wasn’t enough acid to keep things balanced. Sam Stone, Bon Appétit, 13 Feb. 2025 The men, who set a fire and overpowered at least two guards, allegedly had the assistance of at least one guard in the Special Incarceration Unit, where inmates with discipline problems spend 23 hours a day in their cells. Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2025 Even if that's not the case, a September (and hopefully for Craig Breslow & Co., October) rotation scene including Crochet, Cease, Giolito, Houck and Buehler could be overpowering. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 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 27 Feb. 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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