overbearing

UK: /ˌəʊvə^rˈbɛərɪŋ/ US: /ˌoʊvɚˈbɛrɪŋ/ ,(ō′vər bâr′ing)

From the verb overbear: (⇒ conjugate)

overbearing is: ⓘ

v pres p

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

o•ver•bear•ing /ˌoʊvɚˈbɛrɪŋ/   adj. 

1. very rude in the way one gives orders or demands;
   dictatorial:
   an overbearing boss.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

o•ver•bear•ing  (ō′vər bâr′ing), adj. 

1. domineering;
   dictatorial;
   haughtily or rudely arrogant.
2. of overwhelming or critical importance.

• overbear + -ing² 1590–1600

o′ver•bear′ing•ly, adv. 
o′ver•bear′ing•ness, n. 

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

overbearing / ˌəʊvəˈbɛərɪŋ/ adjective

1. domineering or dictatorial in manner or action
2. of particular or overriding importance or significance

ˌoverˈbearingly adverb

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

o•ver•bear  (ō′vər bâr′), v., -bore, -borne, -bear•ing. 
v.t. 

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

v.i. 

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

• over- + bear¹ 1525–35

o′ver•bear′er, n. 

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

overbear / ˌəʊvəˈbɛə/ verb ( -bears, -bearing, -bore, -borne)

1. (transitive) to dominate or overcome
2. (transitive) to press or bear down with weight or physical force
3. to produce or bear (fruit, progeny, etc) excessively