Words / B2

ohv-uh-POW-uh/ˌəʊvəˈpaʊə/

To overpower is to defeat by greater strength, or to be too strong to bear: overpower the smell; overpowered by fumes. Overwhelm is more about being unable to cope (already elsewhere); overrule is a decision. Fumes overpowered the first-aiders. Mix-up: overpower vs empower; overtake. Do not write overpower for “win a debate on points” without force or intensity.

Meaning

To defeat by greater strength, or to be too strong to bear.

Examples

• “Fumes overpowered the first-aiders until the lab was cleared, H&S said.”
• “A stronger side overpowered the opposition in extra time, which is the sport sense.”

Good to know

overpower + person / smell; be overpowered by. Close: overwhelm (coping). Trap: empower / overtake. News, sport, and H&S. Greater force, not a polite win.

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