overbear

[oh-ver-bair]

verb (used with object)

overbore, overborne, overbearing. 

1. to bear over or down by weight or force.

   With his superior strength he easily overbore his opponent in the fight.

2. to overcome or overwhelm.

   A spirited defense had overborne the enemy attack.

3. to prevail over or overrule (wishes, objections, etc.).

   She overbore all objections to the new plan.

4. to treat in a domineering way; dominate.

   to overbear one's children with threats of violence.

5. Nautical.,  (of a sailing ship) to have the advantage of (another sailing ship) because of an ability to carry more canvas safely.

verb (used without object)

overbore, overborne, overbearing. 

1. to produce fruit or progeny so abundantly as to impair the health.

overbear

/ ˌəʊvəˈbɛə /

verb

1. (tr) to dominate or overcome

   to overbear objections

2. (tr) to press or bear down with weight or physical force

3. to produce or bear (fruit, progeny, etc) excessively

Other Word Forms

• overbearer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of overbear¹

First recorded in 1525–35; over- + bear ¹

Example Sentences

In the cocktail of their marriage, he adds the bitterness and she adds the spice, qualities that can be either overbearing or harmonious.

From Los Angeles Times

He told jurors he could sometimes be "overbearing", but claimed that was just his "direct Yorkshire style".

From BBC

"Whatever your view of the hate speech vs freedom of speech issues, an overbearing government minister doesn't help anyone," he said.

From BBC

As far as its evolution, I was glad to see the podcast group, with its overbearing members, whittled away — though we had to deal with Che for another season.

From Los Angeles Times

He told jurors at Inner London Crown Court he could sometimes be "overbearing" but that was just his "direct Yorkshire style".

From BBC

Related Words

• bludgeon 
• browbeat 
• coerce 
• harass 
• hector 
• oppress 
• persecute 
• terrorize 
• threaten 
• torment 
• torture