nadvladati

1. (of an opponent) to overpower; to defeat
   Naš teniser je nadvladao protivnika u tri seta. — Our tennis player beat his opponent in three sets.
2. (of feelings, difficulties) to overcome; to get the better of
   Uspela je da nadvlada strah od letenja. — She managed to overcome her fear of flying.
   Na kraju ga je nadvladao umor. — In the end, tiredness got the better of him.
3. (without an object) to prevail; to win out
   Ipak je nadvladao zdrav razum. — Common sense prevailed after all.

The imperfective is nadvladavati.