overwrite

[oh-ver-rahyt]

verb (used with object), o·ver·wrote, o·ver·writ·ten, o·ver·writ·ing.

to write in too elaborate, burdensome, diffuse, or prolix a style: He overwrites his essays to the point of absurdity.

to write in excess of the requirements, especially so as to defeat the original intention: That young playwright tends to overwrite her big scenes.

to write on or over; cover with writing: a flyleaf overwritten with a dedication.

verb (used without object), o·ver·wrote, o·ver·writ·ten, o·ver·writ·ing.

to write too elaborately: The problem with so many young authors is that they tend to overwrite.

Origin of overwrite

First recorded in 1690–1700; over- + write

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for overwrote

overwrite

verb -writes, -writing, -wrote or -written

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

to write too much about (someone or something)

to write on top of (other writing)

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for overwrote

overwrite

1690s, "to write over other writing," from over- + write (v.). Of computers, it is attested from 1959. Meaning "to write too elaborately or ornately" is from 1923. Related: Overwriting; overwritten.