overwrite

[oh-ver-rahyt]

verb (used with object)

overwrote, overwritten, overwriting. 

1. to write in too elaborate, burdensome, diffuse, or prolix a style.

   He overwrites his essays to the point of absurdity.

2. to write in excess of the requirements, especially so as to defeat the original intention.

   That young playwright tends to overwrite her big scenes.

3. to write on or over; cover with writing.

   a flyleaf overwritten with a dedication.

verb (used without object)

overwrote, overwritten, overwriting. 

1. to write too elaborately.

   The problem with so many young authors is that they tend to overwrite.

overwrite

/ ˌəʊvəˈraɪt /

verb

1. to write (something) in an excessively ornate or prolix style

2. to write too much about (someone or something)

3. to write on top of (other writing)

4. to record on a storage medium, such as a magnetic disk, thus destroying what was originally recorded there

Word History and Origins

Origin of overwrite¹

First recorded in 1690–1700; over- + write

Example Sentences

The head of the courts service in England and Wales has apologised for failing to tell ministers and judges sooner about an IT bug that caused evidence to go missing, be overwritten or appear lost.

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“Mask & Bone” by Jamesie Fournier is a slightly overwritten but otherwise masterly unmasking of ordinary family life that reveals ancient secrets and generational trauma of the supernatural kind.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Before he abandons his original directive entirely, an effect of it being overwritten by other programming, he warns Rain that she won’t see him like a child anymore.

Read more on Salon

An individual within Welsh Labour who was unhappy with what happened complained "of a process that has seemingly been overwritten by the will of the first minister".

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That is, until another party overwrites his code, transforming him into the best reason for “Romulus” to exist.

Read more on Salon