overpower

[oh-ver-pou-er]

verb (used with object)

1. to overcome, master, or subdue by superior force.

   to overpower a maniac.

   Synonyms: beat, defeat, conquer, subjugate, vanquish

2. to overcome or overwhelm in feeling; affect or impress excessively.

   overpowered with confusion and desire.

3. to gain mastery over the bodily powers or mental faculties of.

   a strong drink that quickly overpowered him.

4. to furnish or equip with excessive power: pow: power.

   a giant motor that overpowered the pump.

overpower

/ ˌəʊvəˈpaʊə /

verb

1. to conquer or subdue by superior force

2. to have such a strong effect on as to make helpless or ineffective

3. to supply with more power than necessary

Other Word Forms

• unoverpowered adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of overpower¹

First recorded in 1585–95; over- + power

Example Sentences

He doesn’t overpower opponents the way he could in his prime, relying more on consistent command, pitch sequencing and veteran guile to post a 9-2 record and 3.06 ERA in 17 starts this year.

From Los Angeles Times

The United States were similarly overpowered at the scrum, conceding three penalties in the opening 20 minutes.

From BBC

Yet the Wallabies came so close winning in Melbourne and then overpowered the Lions in Sydney.

From BBC

The grape flavor is both strong and aromatic without overpowering the gummies’ sourness.

From Salon

The overpowering bigness of this performance happened on the day that the U.S. reaffirmed its commitment to Ukraine in its war with Russia.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• blank 
• clobber 
• conquer 
• crush 
• defeat 
• drub 
• knock out 
• overcome 
• overwhelm 
• rout 
• smash 
• subdue 
• take care of 
• trounce 
• vanquish