OVERDRIVE Definition & Meaning

overdrive

[ verb oh-ver-drahyv; noun oh-ver-drahyv ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

verb (used with object)

overdrove, overdriven, overdriving.

to push or carry to excess; overwork.
to drive too hard.

noun

Machinery, Automotive. a device containing a gear set at such ratio and arrangement as to provide a drive shaft speed greater than the engine crankshaft speed.
Also called hyperdrive. Informal. a state of intense activity or productivity:
The political campaign has shifted into overdrive.

overdrive

noun

a very high gear in a motor vehicle used at high speeds to reduce wear and save fuel
in overdrive
in a state of intense activity
into overdrive
into a state of intense activity

verb

tr to drive too hard or too far; overwork or overuse

Discover More

51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of overdrive¹

First recorded before 950; Middle English overdriven “to cover over, overpower”; Old English �Ǵڱ��ī�ڲ�� “to drive away, overthrow”; equivalent to over- ( def ) + drive ( def )

Discover More

Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Chantel Crump's body was found two days later in a case that has caused widespread public outrage and protests - and sent rumours into overdrive.

From

Here’s how the trend went beyond ‘Coexist’ and into overdrive.

From

Of course the fire in the Oval was only inflamed by the president’s rhetoric on social media, so that’s when the White House damage control kicked into overdrive.

From

In 2009, Orci served as the executive producer and screenwriter for the highly anticipated film reboot of “Star Trek,” which put his career into overdrive.

From

After the empire of Japan attacked Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, fear went into overdrive.

From

Browse