overhaul

[ verb oh-ver-hawl, oh-ver-hawl; noun oh-ver-hawl ]

verb (used with object)

1. to make necessary repairs on; restore to serviceable condition:

   My car was overhauled by an expert mechanic.

2. to investigate or examine thoroughly for repair or revision:

   Next year we're going to overhaul the curriculum.

3. to gain upon, catch up with, or overtake, as in a race.
4. to haul or turn over for examination.
5. Nautical.
   1. to slacken (a rope) by hauling in the opposite direction to that in which the rope was drawn taut.
   2. to release the blocks of (a tackle).

noun

1. Also over·hauling. a general examination and repair:

   The state roads were badly in need of a major overhaul.

overhaul

verb

1. to examine carefully for faults, necessary repairs, etc
2. to make repairs or adjustments to (a car, machine, etc)
3. to overtake

noun

1. a thorough examination and repair

Other Words From

• over·hauler noun
• uno·ver·hauled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of overhaul¹

First recorded in 1620–30; over- + haul

Example Sentences

The home secretary has promised to end a "postcode lottery" in policing, as she set out plans to overhaul the work of forces in England and Wales.

From BBC

Asked about his plans to overhaul the Affordable Care Act, Trump sputtered lamely about “concepts of a plan.”

From Salon

An expert panel tasked to review the incidents said a "major overhaul" of the safeguarding system was needed.

From BBC

All these organisations promised change and overhauled their safeguarding policies in the wake of the scandals.

From BBC

He has said that he wants to overhaul the systems that oversee pesticides, herbicides, food additives and pharmaceuticals.

From BBC

Related Words

• fix
• improve
• modernize
• rebuild
• reconstruct
• reexamine
• renew
• repair
• revamp