overstudy

American  

[oh-ver-stuhd-ee, oh-ver-stuhd-ee] / ˌoʊ vərˈstʌd i, ˈoʊ vərˌstʌd i /

verb (used with or without object)

overstudied, overstudying

1. to study too much or too hard (sometimes used reflexively).

   to overstudy a letter for hidden meanings; to overstudy to the point of exhaustion; to overstudy oneself and forget half of what has been read.

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noun

1. excessive study.

Etymology

Origin of overstudy

First recorded in 1635–45; over- + study

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

overstudy overstudied overstudying

Providence is not to blame; nor is climate, weather, overwork, overstudy, or any other even seemingly plausible cause, to be blamed.

From Plain Facts for Old and Young by Kellogg, John Harvey

It is through their effect upon the nervous system that worry, overstudy, undue excitement, and dissipation cause disturbances of the heart.

From Physiology and Hygiene for Secondary Schools by Walters, Francis M.

Such delusions often come from overstudy, or too great mental emotion; and the medical worker in his closet and the Roman general in his tent may equally see a spirit.

From Ancient Faiths And Modern A Dissertation upon Worships, Legends and Divinities by Inman, Thomas

A severe attack of fever, brought on by overstudy, immediately after Katherine's marriage, prevented Bertie Payne from carrying out his missionary scheme.

From A Crooked Path A Novel by Alexander, Mrs.

Blake stared up at him, blear-eyed with overstudy and loss of sleep.

From Out of the Primitive by Bennet, Robert Ames

Could you give an example of a “flashy” species that’s potentially been overstudied or a “drab” bird that your research suggests is understudied because of this bias?

From Salon ● Apr. 23, 2025

“Boredom isn’t an overstudied area like, you know, stress. Before I studied boredom, I studied anger, and that’s been studied so much that it became a bit boring.”

From Washington Post ● Mar. 27, 2020

Two decades ago, few areas of art history seemed as exhausted, if not overstudied as late-19th-century French painting.

From New York Times ● Dec. 13, 2018

They also disagree that the Hadza are overstudied, arguing that many teams are there only for a month or so and don't overlap much.

From Science Magazine ● May 17, 2018

His gallant and cheery stoicism were already with him; and so perfect, if a trifle overstudied, was his style, that one already foresaw a new and charming essayist.

From Essays in Little by Lang, Andrew

The point is, it’s such a splendid antidote for overstudying.

From Betty Wales Freshman by Dunton, Edith K.

She is always worrying herself to death for fear I'm overstudying.

From Nancy of Paradise Cottage by Watkins, Shirley

I rubbed my eyes, and came to the conclusion that I'd been overstudying, and must be suffering from a delusion.

From The New Girl at St. Chad's A Story of School Life by Brazil, Angela

Looks as if he had been—shall we say put up to overstudying his part.

From Scarhaven Keep by Fletcher, J. S. (Joseph Smith)