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

If our nerves are overstrung, or our tempers tried, so far from endeavouring to conceal the fact we make them feel it.

From Project Gutenberg

The interruption checked his words, but could not check the red fury that was surging through Slaughter's overstrung brain.

From Project Gutenberg

To her overstrung nerves each darker shadow held an evil menace.

From Project Gutenberg

The whole world seemed a great musical instrument, overstrung and giving out previously unknown harmonies and inharmonies.

From Project Gutenberg

It was at this moment more than ever true that her light being was overstrung and that her light head whirled too fast.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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