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

His eyes filled with tears, but it might have been from the overpowering smell of herring.

Read more on Literature

The smell was so overpowering Penelope could barely speak.

Read more on Literature

An enormous French fleet was attempting to invade England by sailing up the Solent Strait and overpowering the British fleet and the naval facilities at Portsmouth.

Read more on Literature

"She and her mother overpowered the intruder, a man in his 30s, in a physical struggle, resulting in his arrest," the investigator said.

Read more on Barron's

The second act is where the relationship between Hildegard and Richardis blossoms and with it, musically, the arrival of rapture and onset of an ecstasy more overpowering than Godly visions.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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