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

And another charity, Prostate Cancer UK, says the report supports its call to overhaul "dangerously outdated NHS guidance that is leading to too many men receiving a late, incurable diagnoses".

From BBC

While Measure G clears the way for the government overhaul, many of the details still need to be worked out.

From Los Angeles Times

The Department for Transport has promised “the biggest overhaul of our railways in a generation, including simplifying fares”.

From BBC

The measure’s opponents argued that the government overhaul had been put together too fast, with too many details left to figure out after the vote — including how much it will all cost.

From Los Angeles Times

However, the damage had been done and the visitors went on to overhaul West Indies' 158-8 with 31 balls to spare.

From BBC

Related Words

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