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 Words From

• uno·ver·powered adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of overpower¹

First recorded in 1585–95; over- + power

Example Sentences

The Chargers ball-hawking defense that is coming off a three-takeaway performance last week should easily overpower a Titans offense that has the second-most giveaways in the league.

From Los Angeles Times

Yet, here he was, in his most important start of the season, attempting to overpower his opponents as he did earlier in his career.

From Los Angeles Times

"It gets you to focus on the live performers and the human story that's being told, because the technology is really just there to serve, not overpower."

From Salon

Trump strikes a deal with the devil and then uses the devil’s own advice to overpower him and become the King of Hades.

From Salon

A bow is a hit of sweet to overpower the sour, but it’s also confident and fluid in its dimensions, expressing much more than it’s given credit for.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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