verb

overpower

oh-vuh-POW-uh

Overpower (verb) means to defeat or subdue someone using greater strength or force. Example: “The security guards managed to overpower the intruder.”

verb

To defeat or subdue someone using greater strength or force.

"The security guards managed to overpower the intruder."

To be so strong or intense that it dominates everything else, especially a smell or feeling.

"The smell of garlic overpowered every other flavour in the dish."

How to use overpower

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo beat something through sheer force or intensity, whether that's a person, a smell, or an emotion.

Common pairings

overpower an opponent overpowering smell overpowering emotion

Word forms

overpowered past tense, overpowers singular

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The security guards managed to _____ the intruder.

Etymology

Built from over- + power.

Synonyms

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overcome overtake overwhelm whelm overmaster sweep over

Related words

wall beat master drunk defeat overcome defeated consumed

Rhymes for overpower

tower power lower bower mower cower Gower flower blower shower slower grower

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Frequently asked questions

What does “overpower” mean?

The word “overpower” means to defeat or subdue someone using greater strength or force. In plain terms, to beat something through sheer force or intensity, whether that's a person, a smell, or an emotion.

How do you pronounce “overpower”?

“Overpower” is pronounced oh-vuh-POW-uh (/oʊ.vɚˈpaʊ̯.ɚ/ in IPA).

How do you use “overpower” in a sentence?

Here is “overpower” used in a sentence: “The security guards managed to overpower the intruder.”

What part of speech is “overpower”?

“Overpower” is a verb.

How many meanings does “overpower” have?

“Overpower” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to defeat or subdue someone using greater strength or force.

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