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

The trade wobbled briefly this March following the onset of hostilities in the Middle East and went back into overdrive the past several weeks.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 3, 2026

Using human Alzheimer's brain cells and other experimental models, the team discovered a chemical change that can push the brain's immune response into overdrive.

From Science Daily • May 31, 2026

She was hired as an equity research analyst in October 1999, just as the dot-com bull run was shifting into overdrive.

From MarketWatch • May 15, 2026

"That's why so many governments are pushing renewables plans into overdrive: to restore national security, economic stability, competitiveness, policy autonomy and basic sovereignty," he added.

From Barron's • Apr. 30, 2026

Just then, the train’s air-conditioning or something must’ve kicked into overdrive because I felt a chill blow right through me.

From "Red Kayak" by Priscilla Cummings