to overpower / overwhelm
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to overpower
To defeat someone with physical strength or force and bring them under control.
Die Polizei konnte den flüchtigen Dieb nach einer kurzen Verfolgung überwältigen.
The police were able to overpower the fleeing thief after a short chase.
'Überwältigen' (to overpower / overwhelm) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'über-' is never separated from the verb stem, not even in main clauses or in the past participle.
Die Schönheit der Landschaft hat mich überwältigt.
The beauty of the landscape overwhelmed me.
The context makes the meaning clear. If it is about police, fighting, or physical strength, the literal meaning 'besiegen' (to defeat) is meant. If it is about feelings, impressions, or experiences, the emotional meaning is meant.
Zwei Polizisten mussten den Täter überwältigen.
Two police officers had to overpower the offender.
In the emotional meaning, the passive form is used very often. You say 'ich bin überwältigt' (I am overwhelmed) or 'ich wurde überwältigt' (I was overwhelmed) to describe the state of being deeply moved.
Ich war von seiner Großzügigkeit völlig überwältigt.
I was completely overwhelmed by his generosity.
to record / grasp
'erfassen' and 'überwältigen' can both describe a feeling having a very strong effect on someone. 'erfassen' often says that a feeling suddenly begins and takes hold of someone, for example fear or joy. 'überwältigen' is stronger: the feeling is so great that the person can hardly react calmly anymore. 'überwältigen' is often used for very intense moments, such as great joy, grief, or a powerful impression. As a simple guide: 'erfassen' describes the strong onset of a feeling; 'überwältigen' describes the feeling almost overwhelming the person.
Als die Schüler ihr dankten, war die Lehrerin von Freude überwältigt.
When the students thanked her, the teacher was overwhelmed with joy.
Am Bahnhof erfasste Maria plötzlich die Sorge, dass sie den falschen Zug genommen hatte.
At the train station, Maria was suddenly seized by the worry that she had taken the wrong train.