overstrung

[oh-ver-struhng]

adjective

1. overly tense or sensitive; strained; on edge.

   Their nerves were badly overstrung.

2. Archery.,  (of a bow) strung strung too tightly.

overstrung

/ ˌəʊvəˈstrʌŋ /

adjective

1. too highly strung; tense

2. (of a piano) having two sets of strings crossing each other at an oblique angle

Word History and Origins

Origin of overstrung¹

First recorded in 1800–10; over- + strung

Example Sentences

The investigation slowed when solid leads became overstrung and scarce.

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Jack rose to his feet, confused by this sudden turmoil coming when his nerves were overstrung.

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True, he had seen no animals which he could have any cause to fear, but at this moment of overstrung nerves he felt a child's dread of the dark.

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It wore a severe, and, to Mr. Binney's overstrung perceptions, it seemed a contemptuous look.

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She is so overstrung that she has had to have sleeping drafts.

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Related Words

• excited 
• restless 
• skittish 
• tense 
• uneasy 
• uptight