overbear
|o-ver-bear|
C1
🇺🇸
/ˌoʊvərˈbɛr/
🇬🇧
/ˌəʊvəˈbeə(r)/
domineering control
Etymology
Etymology Information
'overbear' originates from Old English elements: 'ofer' (over) + 'beran' (to bear, carry).
Historical Evolution
'overbear' appeared in Middle English as forms like 'overberen' or 'overberen', which developed into the modern English 'overbear'.
Meaning Changes
Initially related to the literal sense of 'bearing across' or 'bearing excessively,' it came to mean 'to overpower or prevail over' in later usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to overpower, subdue, or crush by superior force or influence; to overwhelm someone or something.
He tends to overbear his colleagues in meetings, insisting his view is the only practical one.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2026/01/13 09:33