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 has surrendered no runs and struck out three, overpowering opposing hitters with a 100-mph fastball and a devastating splitter.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

“The lethality and accessibility of firearms give abusers in suicidal crisis the ability to overpower and harm multiple people with little chance for intervention or survival,” according to the report.

Read more on Salon

Andrew Free, a researcher who studies detainee deaths and has filed a lawsuit to obtain city records, is suspicious of city claims that they are being overpowered.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The Reds do not have an overpowering offense.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

England recovered from an early scare and never looked back as they overpowered Canada in a 33-13 win, the second largest margin of victory in a Women's Rugby World Cup final.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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