v. 25B6; verb
the prisoners might overpower the crew : GAIN CONTROL OVER, overwhelm, prevail over, get the better of, gain mastery over, overthrow, overturn, subdue, suppress, subjugate, repress, bring someone to their knees, conquer, defeat, triumph over, worst, trounce; informal thrash, lick, best, clobber, wipe the floor with.
he was overpowered by grief : OVERCOME, overwhelm, move, stir, affect, touch, stun, shake, devastate, take aback, leave speechless; informal bowl over, knock sideways; Brit. informal knock/hit for six.