overhaul

[oh-ver-hawl, oh-ver-hawl, oh-ver-hawl]

verb (used with object)

1. to make necessary repairs on; restore to serviceable condition.

   My car was overhauled by an expert mechanic.

2. to investigate or examine thoroughly for repair or revision.

   Next year we're going to overhaul the curriculum.

3. to gain upon, catch up with, or overtake, as in a race.

4. to haul or turn over for examination.

5. Nautical.

   1. to slacken (a rope) by hauling in the opposite direction to that in which the rope was drawn taut.

   2. to release the blocks of (a tackle).

noun

1. Also overhauling. a general examination and repair.

   The state roads were badly in need of a major overhaul.

overhaul

verb

1. to examine carefully for faults, necessary repairs, etc

2. to make repairs or adjustments to (a car, machine, etc)

3. to overtake

noun

1. a thorough examination and repair

Other Word Forms

• overhauler noun
• unoverhauled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of overhaul¹

First recorded in 1620–30; over- + haul

Example Sentences

The Federation of Small Businesses is among those calling for the system to be "overhauled".

From BBC

However, there is widespread hope among smaller businesses that the long-promised overhaul of business rates will come soon and in their favour.

From BBC

But the law’s flaws have become increasingly accepted in recent years as the state’s housing crisis worsened, with Newsom signing two bills to overhaul the the law and ease new construction earlier this year.

From Los Angeles Times

Overall, he believes this overhaul will be a boon.

From Los Angeles Times

But she doesn’t think it necessarily needs to be overhauled in order to add more protections.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• fix 
• improve 
• modernize 
• rebuild 
• reconstruct 
• reexamine 
• renew 
• repair 
• revamp