overbear

[ oh-ver-bair ]

verb (used with object)

, o·ver·bore, o·ver·borne, o·ver·bear·ing.

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.

verb (used without object)

, o·ver·bore, o·ver·borne, o·ver·bear·ing.

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

overbear

/ 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

Other Words From

• over·bearer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of overbear¹

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

Example Sentences

The natural thing for him is to give full sway to impulses that are so violent as to overbear his powers.

From Project Gutenberg

He was angry, but he would never more attempt to overbear me with grand threats.

From Project Gutenberg

I have through my whole life interfered to protect, not overbear, the sufferer; and I must do so now.

From Project Gutenberg

The meer Agreableness must not overbear us, without distinguishing upon the Quality, and the Means.

From Project Gutenberg

Vine variable in vigor, productive, healthy, often inclined to overbear.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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