belabor

[ bih-ley-ber ]

verb (used with object)

1. to explain, worry about, or work at (something) repeatedly or more than is necessary:

   He kept belaboring the point long after we had agreed.

2. to assail persistently, as with scorn or ridicule:

   a book that belabors the provincialism of his contemporaries.

3. to beat vigorously; ply with heavy blows.
4. Obsolete. to labor at.

Word History and Origins

Origin of belabor¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; be- + labor

Example Sentences

The point doesn’t need to be belabored beyond this.

From Los Angeles Times

There’s no need to belabor the point: The possible comparisons are nearly infinite and defy neutral principles of evaluation.

From Salon

Last year, she reunited with filmmaker Nicole Holofcener for “You Hurt My Feelings,” playing a writer devastated to learn that her beloved husband was masking his dislike of her belabored novel.

From Los Angeles Times

Reporter: “Not to belabor the point, but from what you have been told or what you have been asked ... ”

From Los Angeles Times

Earlier this month it sent a memo advising TV and radio broadcasters not to “belabor the point” when addressing the lockout.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• rehash