overbear

American  

[oh-ver-bair] / ˌoʊ vərˈbɛər /

verb (used with object)

overbore, overborne, overbearing

1. to bear over or down by weight or force.

   With his superior strength he easily overbore his opponent in the fight.

2. to overcome or overwhelm.

   A spirited defense had overborne the enemy attack.

3. to prevail over or overrule (wishes, objections, etc.).

   She overbore all objections to the new plan.

4. to treat in a domineering way; dominate.

   to overbear one's children with threats of violence.

5. Nautical. (of a sailing ship) to have the advantage of (another sailing ship) because of an ability to carry more canvas safely.

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verb (used without object)

overbore, overborne, overbearing

1. to produce fruit or progeny so abundantly as to impair the health.

overbear British  

/ ˌəʊvəˈbɛə /

verb

1. (tr) to dominate or overcome

   to overbear objections

2. (tr) to press or bear down with weight or physical force

3. to produce or bear (fruit, progeny, etc) excessively

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Other Word Forms

• overbearer noun

Etymology

Origin of overbear

First recorded in 1525–35; over- + bear ¹

Example Sentences

But in the wrong hands, whether that is an overbearing state or a foreign power, the information could be used for something more nefarious.

From BBC

Within a year, Shockley’s overbearing management style — and a tendency to claim other people’s work as his own — prompted Dr. Moore and seven other scientists to bolt.

From Washington Post

Several people who phoned into the Wednesday meeting argued that the L.A. rules were overbearing and discriminatory.

From Los Angeles Times

The elder Thompson had long been portrayed as Georgetown’s overbearing architect and the biggest hindrance to change.

From Washington Post

If they are opinionated, they risk becoming an overbearing and unlikeable “dragon lady.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bludgeon
• browbeat
• coerce
• harass
• hector
• oppress
• persecute
• terrorize
• threaten
• torment
• torture