overbear

[ oh-ver-bair ]

verb (used with object)

, o·ver·bore, o·ver·borne, o·ver·bear·ing.

1. to bear over or down by weight or force:

   With his superior strength he easily overbore his opponent in the fight.

2. to overcome or overwhelm:

   A spirited defense had overborne the enemy attack.

3. to prevail over or overrule (wishes, objections, etc.):

   She overbore all objections to the new plan.

4. to treat in a domineering way; dominate:

   to overbear one's children with threats of violence.

5. Nautical. (of a sailing ship) to have the advantage of (another sailing ship) because of an ability to carry more canvas safely.

verb (used without object)

, o·ver·bore, o·ver·borne, o·ver·bear·ing.

1. to produce fruit or progeny so abundantly as to impair the health.

overbear

/ ˌəʊvəˈbɛə /

verb

1. tr to dominate or overcome

   to overbear objections

2. tr to press or bear down with weight or physical force
3. to produce or bear (fruit, progeny, etc) excessively

Other Words From

• over·bearer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of overbear¹

First recorded in 1525–35; over- + bear ¹

Example Sentences

We all need an anecdote about Ethel Merman, who starred as Rose, the overbearing stage mother.

From Los Angeles Times

This sense of play is key, allowing “Great Gold Bird” to delve heavily into the realities of living with prolonged grief — its delusions, its isolating nature and its fantastical hopes — without feeling overbearing.

From Los Angeles Times

Asked for her response to Roan’s comments about overbearing fans, Sara says, “Of course she has every right to be like, ‘Y’all are crazy.’”

From Los Angeles Times

As a young man, he was never the best player, but driven by an overbearing father, he acted as if he were.

From Los Angeles Times

The Eggers ultimately weaken their concentrated dose of WTF midnight-movie fun by attempting to smuggle in a deeper commentary on race and the overbearing presence of the Judeo-Christian worldview over American society.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bludgeon
• browbeat
• coerce
• harass
• hector
• oppress
• persecute
• terrorize
• threaten
• torment
• torture