overdrive

American  

[oh-ver-drahyv, oh-ver-drahyv] / ˌoʊ vərˈdraɪv, ˈoʊ vərˌdraɪv /

verb (used with object)

overdrove, overdriven, overdriving

1. to push or carry to excess; overwork.

2. to drive too hard.

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noun

1. Machinery, Automotive. a device containing a gear set at such ratio and arrangement as to provide a drive shaft speed greater than the engine crankshaft speed.

2. Also called hyperdrive.  Informal. a state of intense activity or productivity.

   The political campaign has shifted into overdrive.

overdrive British  

noun

1. a very high gear in a motor vehicle used at high speeds to reduce wear and save fuel

2. in a state of intense activity

3. into a state of intense activity

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verb

1. (tr) to drive too hard or too far; overwork or overuse

Etymology

Origin of overdrive

First recorded before 950; Middle English overdriven “to cover over, overpower”; Old English oferdrīfan “to drive away, overthrow”; equivalent to over- ( def. ) + drive ( def. )

Example Sentences

And now the spin machine has kicked into overdrive.

From Salon • Apr. 15, 2026

A senior executive boasted the device, coupled with Apple’s potential entry into foldables this year, could help usher a niche corner of the phone market into overdrive.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

Becoming the No. 1 LNG exporter in the world in relative short order is thanks in large part to U.S. shale production that went into overdrive in the mid-2000s.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 19, 2026

On 34 minutes, France went into overdrive again as Jalibert's chip had Ireland scrambling, and the hosts recovered the ball before Guillard put in his second row partner Ollivon to score.

From Barron's • Feb. 5, 2026

“Hey, Grace,” said Jake, feeling his sweat glands going into overdrive again.

From "The Smartest Kid in the Universe" by Chris Grabenstein