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overdrive

[ verb oh-ver-drahyv; noun oh-ver-drahyv ]

verb (used with object)

, o·ver·drove, o·ver·driv·en, o·ver·driv·ing.
  1. to push or carry to excess; overwork.
  2. to drive too hard.


noun

  1. Machinery, Automotive. a device containing a gear set at such ratio and arrangement as to provide a drive shaft speed greater than the engine crankshaft speed.
  2. Also called hyperdrive. Informal. a state of intense activity or productivity:

    The political campaign has shifted into overdrive.

overdrive

noun

  1. a very high gear in a motor vehicle used at high speeds to reduce wear and save fuel
  2. in overdrive
    in a state of intense activity
  3. into overdrive
    into a state of intense activity
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

verb

  1. tr to drive too hard or too far; overwork or overuse
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Word History and Origins

Origin of overdrive1

First recorded before 950; Middle English overdriven “to cover over, overpower”; Old English oferdrīfan “to drive away, overthrow”; equivalent to over- ( def ) + drive ( def )
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Example Sentences

Wendy went into overdrive, researching the best hospitals for stomach cancer treatment.

As election season nerves kick into overdrive, a psychologist shares research-backed ways to ease your mind.

"In that moment, there was a feeling of euphoria. It was my second try for England but to score against the All Blacks was special. From then on, the team kicked into overdrive."

From BBC

With Iran’s belligerence in overdrive, the United States and its allies should seriously consider a military option to take out Iran’s nuclear sites.

On Thursday, the theories shifted into overdrive on social media, thanks largely to a single tweet from a random X user teasing a surprise appearance on the final night of the event.

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