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 result: Chalamet may be the focus of Oscar talk as the movie’s leading man, but it’s the people swirling around his character who send the propulsive drama about ambition into overdrive.

From The Wall Street Journal

Political thrillers have been a staple of popular culture since the 1960s, when the Cold War threw conspiracy theory-loving writers into overdrive, and television and film are no exception.

From Los Angeles Times

Planning for the games hits overdrive this week.

From Los Angeles Times

But when the 44-year-old photographer heard it wouldn’t be released this year, he kicked his pursuit into overdrive.

From The Wall Street Journal

And while the wealth effect has been on “overdrive” this year thanks to hefty gains in most asset classes, investors have been spooked of late by falls in gold and crypto.

From MarketWatch