overpowering
overpowering — adjective
- overpoweringpositive
- more overpoweringcomparative
- most overpoweringsuperlative
1. so extremely strong, great, or intense that you cannot fight against it, ignore
so extremely strong, great, or intense that you cannot fight against it, ignore it, or cope with it normally
The overpowering smell of garlic from the kitchen made Charlotte's eyes water.
collocation: overpowering smell
Jude felt an overpowering desire to walk out of the boring meeting.
collocation: overpowering desire
The sun in the small courtyard was so overpowering that Rodrigo moved into the shade.
Hana found her uncle's loud voice an overpowering presence at every family dinner.
When Henrik opened the gym door, an overpowering wave of heat hit his face.
- overwhelming
very similar in meaning; 'overwhelming' slightly more common for emotions, 'overpowering' more for physical sensations
- irresistible
focuses on the inability to refuse or stop, while 'overpowering' emphasises the force itself
- consuming
suggests something that takes all your attention or energy over time, less about sudden intensity
文法句型
overpowering + noun
be + overpowering
用法筆記
Commonly describes smells, heat, emotions, desires, or personality traits that dominate a situation completely. Unlike 'strong' or 'powerful', 'overpowering' always suggests an intensity that is difficult or impossible to handle.
常見錯誤
overpowering — verb
- overpoweringpresent simple I / you / we / they
- overpowerings3rd person singular
- overpoweringing-ing form
- overpoweringedpast simple
1. to defeat or take control of a person or group by using greater physical strengt
to defeat or take control of a person or group by using greater physical strength, force, or numbers
Nikhil managed to overpower the intruder and hold him until the police arrived.
overpower + person as object
Madison's attacker was quickly overpowered by two bystanders who heard her screams.
passive: be overpowered by [person]
Erik surprised everyone by overpowering a much larger opponent in the wrestling match.
Jabari overpowered the guard and unlocked the heavy iron gate to free the trapped workers.
- surrender to
to give up control to someone else rather than taking control
- yield to
to allow someone else to dominate rather than fighting back
文法句型
overpower + noun phrase
be overpowered by + noun phrase
用法筆記
Typically describes a physical struggle where one person or group gains control over another through superior force. The subject is usually a person or group, and the object is a specific person being subdued. The passive form (be overpowered by) is common when the focus is on the person who is subdued.
常見錯誤
2. If a strong feeling, emotion, or physical sensation overpowers you, it affects y
If a strong feeling, emotion, or physical sensation overpowers you, it affects you so powerfully that you cannot think or act normally.
Manuela was overpowered by a sudden wave of exhaustion after the long train journey.
passive: be overpowered by [feeling/sensation]
Layla felt overpowered by the sadness of saying goodbye to her childhood home.
collocation: feel overpowered by
The beautiful music from the old church overpowered Sivan and brought tears to her eyes.
Mert was overpowered by the intense desert heat during his first visit.
- resist
to fight against a feeling rather than letting it take control
文法句型
be overpowered by + noun phrase
overpower + noun phrase
用法筆記
The subject is usually an emotion (grief, sadness, joy), a physical sensation (exhaustion, heat, dizziness), or an aesthetic experience (music, beauty). Frequently used in passive constructions. Distinguish from Verb Sense 1 (DEFEAT PHYSICALLY): that sense involves a person actively overpowering someone; this sense involves a feeling or sensation taking control of a person.