Overdrive - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Overdrive is a state of heightened activity or performance, often referring to a vehicle’s gear for increased speed or a person’s intense effort. It implies pushing beyond normal limits.
Definition:
A state of heightened activity or performance, often beyond normal limits.
Synonyms:
overwork, intensify, accelerate, push
Part of Speech:
noun, verb
Antonyms:
underperform, relax
Common Collocations:
go into overdrive, shift into overdrive, work in overdrive
Derivatives:
overdriven, overdriving
Usage Tips:
Use "overdrive" to describe excessive effort or a gear in vehicles for higher speed with less power.
Common Phrases:
kick into overdrive, shift into overdrive, go into overdrive
Etymology:
Derived from "over-" (excessive) + "drive" (to propel), first used in mechanical contexts before figurative meanings emerged.
Examples:
- 1. The engine roared as he shifted into overdrive.
- 2. Her creativity went into overdrive during the project deadline.
- 3. Don’t push yourself into overdrive; take breaks to avoid burnout.
- 4. The team’s productivity shifted into overdrive after the new manager arrived.