overblow

[ oh-ver-bloh ]

verb (used with object)

, o·ver·blew, o·ver·blown, o·ver·blow·ing.

1. to give excessive importance or value to:

   to overblow one's own writing.

2. to overinflate.
3. to blow over the surface of, as the wind, sand, or the like:

   dead leaves overblowing the yard.

4. to blow (a wind instrument or an organ pipe) in such a way as to produce overtones.

verb (used without object)

, o·ver·blew, o·ver·blown, o·ver·blow·ing.

1. to overblow a wind instrument.

overblow

/ ˌəʊvəˈbləʊ /

verb

1. music to blow into (a wind instrument) with greater force than normal in order to obtain a harmonic or overtone instead of the fundamental tone
2. to blow (a wind instrument) or (of a wind instrument) to be blown too hard
3. to blow over, away, or across

Word History and Origins

Origin of overblow¹

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; over-, blow ²

Example Sentences

I’ve just always tried to be ethical and responsible and not overblow a situation or oversell a storm.

From Slate

There have been calls to abolish the idea of a journalistic “crime beat” altogether, since it tends to overblow how much violent crime is occurring and stigmatize communities of color.

From Washington Post

I don’t want to overblow this issue, though.

From The Verge

But the overblow and waste has many analysts and public officials scratching their heads.

From Fox News

The protesters claimed the dangers of the coronavirus and benefits of social distancing are overblow, despite scientific evidence to the contrary.

From Los Angeles Times