overwrought

[oh-ver-rawt, oh-ver-]

adjective

1. extremely or excessively excited or agitated.

   to become overwrought on hearing bad news; an overwrought personality.

   Synonyms: frantic, distracted

2. elaborated to excess; excessively complex or ornate.

   written in a florid, overwrought style.

3. Archaic.,  wearied or exhausted by overwork.

overwrought

/ ˌəʊvəˈrɔːt /

adjective

1. full of nervous tension; agitated

2. too elaborate; fussy

   an overwrought style

3. with the surface decorated or adorned

Word History and Origins

Origin of overwrought¹

First recorded in 1660–70; over- + wrought

Example Sentences

The author lamented that modern cakes — particularly those deemed chic enough for social media or a well-dressed birthday party — had become overwrought and overdesigned.

From Salon

She said concerns about politicized content are overwrought.

From Los Angeles Times

I encountered Navarro in 2012, when he made a minor splash on the documentary film circuit with “Death by China,” a provocative if overwrought manifesto based on his book of the same title.

From Salon

But in this age of expensive and overwrought world-building, it’s Ellison’s experiential care with well-worn material that delivers the goods.

From Los Angeles Times

This downbeat drama is as overwrought as Killian’s muscles — it’s a steroidal portrait of a man in distress.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• frantic