'overweigh' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'overweien,' where 'over-' meant 'above' and 'weien' meant 'to weigh.'

'overweien' transformed into the modern English word 'overweigh' through the influence of Old English and Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to weigh above or more than,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.