overwrite

American  

[oh-ver-rahyt] / ˌoʊ vərˈraɪt /

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 British  

/ 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

---

Etymology

Origin of overwrite

First recorded in 1690–1700; over- + write

Example Sentences

The epitome of low-budget high concept, this impressively sustained but often irritatingly overwritten real-time exercise features an ever-assured Johnson as a streetwise young traveler and Sean Penn as her very loquacious cab driver.

From Los Angeles Times

And both have created works inspired by mapping, questioning how the borders of the United States have overwritten what was here before.

From Los Angeles Times

He said it was "identified that two hours were missing", but by the time that was understood, "the parent footage on the servers had been overwritten" as per normal procedures.

From BBC

But I think editing is a very good thing to do, ’cause quite often things are overwritten, and also, the part that’s unsaid is often the bit that’s interesting.

From Los Angeles Times

China’s leadership has a history of suppressing art that spotlights the failings of its ruling class and ideology, which is exactly what Li’s film does, with a script that feels only occasionally overwritten.

From New York Times