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

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�y��vlog 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 )

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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.

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

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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.

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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.

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

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