a very high gear in a motor vehicle used at high speeds to reduce wear and save fuel
- (transitive)
to drive too hard or too far; overwork or overuse
WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026
o•ver•drive /ˈoʊvɚˌdraɪv/USA pronunciation
n.
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026- [uncountable]
- Mechanical Engineeringa device in a motor vehicle containing a gear that provides a drive shaft speed greater than the engine crankshaft speed.
- Informal Termsa state of great activity or productivity:We went into overdrive to finish the project on time.
o•ver•drive
(v. ō′vər drīv′;n. ō′vər drīv′),USA pronunciation v., -drove, -driv•en, -driv•ing, n.
v.t.
n.
v.t.
- to push or carry to excess;
overwork. - to drive too hard.
n.
- [Mach., Auto.]a device containing a gear set at such ratio and arrangement as to provide a drive shaft speed greater than the engine crankshaft speed.
- Informal Termsan intense state of activity or productivity:The political campaign has shifted into overdrive.
- bef. 950; Middle English overdriven to cover over, overpower; Old English oferdrīfan to drive away, overthrow. See over-, drive
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