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 Also, former No. 1 Victoria Azarenka overpowered Katie Boulter 7-5, 6-1 to advance to the quarterfinals. Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 25 Mar. 2024 Down just 28-27 at halftime and playing the game at their pace, the Gaels were overpowered in the second half by the Lopes (30-4), champions of the Western Athletic Conference, who won for the first time in three tries at the NCAA tournament. Jeff Faraudo, The Mercury News, 23 Mar. 2024 Georgia Corinthian Newton, 15, and Brandon Davis, 14, allegedly overpowered a Georgia deputy with his weapon Fox News Flash top headlines for March 22 Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Chris Pandolfo, Fox News, 22 Mar. 2024 For example, a rich, thick Caesar dressing might overpower delicate spinach or butter lettuce, but taste great drizzled over sturdy kale or grilled romaine. Audrey Bruno, SELF, 15 Mar. 2024 There are overpowering moments where the screen fills with colour and Mica Levi’s composition cries out for a humanity that the protagonists have denied. Hazlitt, 6 Mar. 2024 The gangs also overpowered police at two of the main prisons and managed to release thousands of inmates. Eyder Peralta, NPR, 5 Mar. 2024 Testers woke up their eggs, salads, and avocado toasts with a scoop, which added spice, savoriness, and texture without overpowering the rest of the meal. Sara Coughlin, SELF, 13 Mar. 2024 But Take Note The Belly Balm has a warm, comforting scent that isn’t too overpowering, reminding us of shea butter or oats. Phoebe Sklansky, Parents, 7 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'overpower.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of overpower was in 1597

Dictionary Entries Near overpower

Cite this Entry

“Overpower.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overpower. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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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