overpower
Americanverb (used with object)
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to overcome, master, or subdue by superior force.
to overpower a maniac.
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to overcome or overwhelm in feeling; affect or impress excessively.
overpowered with confusion and desire.
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to gain mastery over the bodily powers or mental faculties of.
a strong drink that quickly overpowered him.
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to furnish or equip with excessive power: pow: power.
a giant motor that overpowered the pump.
verb
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to conquer or subdue by superior force
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to have such a strong effect on as to make helpless or ineffective
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to supply with more power than necessary
Other Word Forms
- unoverpowered adjective
Etymology
Origin of overpower
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Caine said the Iranian military is adapting to the U.S. strategy, but remains confident in Washington’s ability to overpower Tehran.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 10, 2026
But Darth Vader’s costume, runway fashion by brands like Lanvin and Undercover, and more screens devoted to recent movies and videogames threaten to overpower the nuanced arrangements in the previous rooms.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 7, 2026
Economo also pointed to Lanchester's Laws -- mathematical equations developed during World War I that examine when large numbers of weaker fighters can overpower a smaller force of stronger ones.
From Science Daily • Dec. 22, 2025
K-pop star Nana helped overpower a home intruder and is recovering in hospital after suffering injuries during the tussle, South Korean police said on Sunday.
From Barron's • Nov. 16, 2025
I realized my eyes were wet, and I fought against the grief that was trying to overpower me.
From "Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
