overpower
Definition
The meaning: Overpower means to defeat or gain control over someone or something by using greater strength, force, or influence.
La signification : Overpower signifie 'soumettre par la force des armes, ou accabler par un stress émotionnel ou mental incapacitant.'
Here's an example of use: "The guards were overpowered by the escaping prisoners."
It can also be used in a figurative sense, as in “The smell of bleach overpowered the entire room.”
Word Analysis
French equivalents »» Maitriser »» Vaincre »» Submerger »» Accabler »» Dominer Ⓐ Le parfum trop fort a rapidement surchargé mes sens. Ⓑ Ils ont été submerges par l’ennemi en quelques minutes. English equivalents »» Defeat »» Crush »» Subdue »» Overwhelm »» Conquer Ⓐ The soldiers quickly overpowered the rebels. Ⓑ Her emotions overpowered her and she started crying.
Dialogue
Jake: "How did the intruder get past security?" Maya: "He overpowered the guard at the back entrance." Jake: "That's terrifying."
Etymology
Origin: From Middle English overpoweren, formed by combining over- (meaning "above or beyond") with power (from Old French poeir, Latin posse meaning “to be able”).
Modern Usage: Used both literally (in physical confrontation) and figuratively (as in emotions, smells, or influences that are too strong to resist).
Connotation: Often intense and dramatic, with an implication of overwhelming force or intensity.
Grammar Note: Verb, transitive: “The team overpowered their opponents in the final match.” Can also be used in passive voice: “He was overpowered.”
Dialogue
Lara: "Why did you leave the kitchen window open?" Tom: "The cleaning spray smell overpowered everything. I needed fresh air!"
Etymology
Origin: Derived from the prefix over- (meaning “excessively” or “beyond”) and the verb power, originally meaning “to be strong.” The compound form emerged in Middle English.
Audience
Overpower is common in general English usage and suits many audiences. It's seen in news, fiction, and everyday talk.
When to use: Ideal when describing defeat or overwhelming sensations or forces. For instance: “The rescue team was overpowered by the rising floodwaters.” Suitable for most contexts, including storytelling, reporting, and conversation.
Dictionary Meaning
The Free Dictionary defines it as
1. 'To overcome or vanquish by superior force; subdue,' and...
2. 'To affect so strongly as to make helpless or ineffective; overwhelm,' and...
3. 'To supply with excessive mechanical power.'
Here's an example of use: "That smell is quite overpowering."
News Snippet
"That doesn’t mean spices cannot be bold. Some are more impactful than others, some more overpowering, others tend to wallow in the wings like the wallflower at a Spice Girls gig. If we know how to trust our palate and nose, we can use a bit less of this and a bit more of that to come up with a balanced spice mix that, ideally, once mixed has a compound flavour all of its own, with none of its component spices edging themselves into the foreground."
Read the Full ArticlePoem Extract
The Test of Fantasy [excerpt] Running on this way she used various modes of expression that were current. Nothing seemed to bring the woods any closer. What Woods, she was questioned, realizing that as far as the woods went, they were largely inhabitable through the facility of her mind. At the Philadelphia Flower Show, an ideal situation was built up. Here through various regulated artificial conditions, spring grass, waterfalls, the newly-sprouted bulbs completed her ideal concept of nature. The smell was overpowering. Joanne KygerRead the Full Poem
Extra! Extra!
For a fun and engaging exploration of our word of the day, watch the following…The meaning of the verb "overpower"
How to pronounce "overpower"
WordReference
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Common Idioms & Expressions Related to "Overpower"
Overpower
To defeat or exert greater force over someone or something; to dominate in strength, influence, or effect.
Example: "The storm was so fierce that it seemed to overpower everything in its path."
Overwhelm
To overpower in thought or feeling; to be inundated or overrun by something, often in an emotional sense.
Example: "She felt overwhelmed by the amount of work she had to complete."
Subdue
To bring under control, often by force; to conquer or bring into submission.
Example: "The police were called to subdue the unruly crowd."
Dominate
To have a commanding influence on; to rule or control something or someone.
Example: "The team dominated the game from start to finish."
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