overbear

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to overcome, suppress, or carry aside by superior force, influence, or weight

   A large but indifferent majority can overbear the intense wishes of a scattered minority.

2. 2
   verb

   to dominate or intimidate someone by imperious pressure

   The minister tried to overbear the committee instead of answering its objections.

From Middle English overberen, a compound of over and bear. Bear here preserves the sense 'carry, sustain, or press,' so overbear first conveyed carrying or pressing over something and then overcoming it by greater force or authority.

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