overdrive
noun
over·drive
ˈō-vər-ˌdrīv 
1
: an automotive transmission gear that transmits to the drive shaft a speed greater than engine speed
2
: a state of heightened activity
going into rhetorical overdrive
Examples of overdrive in a Sentence
He put the car into overdrive.
His acting career is in overdrive.
The reporters went into overdrive to finish their stories on time.
Recent Examples on the Web
In some cases, your sweat glands (the small organs that make sweat) can go into overdrive when something overstimulates your body.
—
Brandi Jones, Health, 24 July 2025
Newcastle insist Isak is injured and that a long-haul flight would not aid his recovery, but the rumour mill will only go into overdrive.
—Chris Waugh, New York Times, 24 July 2025
The United States is fully immersed in summer this week with scorching temperatures driving air conditioners into overdrive.
—David Trainer, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
This time traders went into overdrive, with Hess shares extending losses below Chevron’s stock offer.
—Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 20 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for overdrive
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Brandi Jones, Health, 24 July 2025
Newcastle insist Isak is injured and that a long-haul flight would not aid his recovery, but the rumour mill will only go into overdrive.
—Chris Waugh, New York Times, 24 July 2025
The United States is fully immersed in summer this week with scorching temperatures driving air conditioners into overdrive.
—David Trainer, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
This time traders went into overdrive, with Hess shares extending losses below Chevron’s stock offer.
—Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 20 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for overdrive
Cite this Entry
“Overdrive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overdrive. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
overdrive
noun
over·drive
ˈō-vər-ˌdrīv
: a transmission gear in an automobile that allows the drive shaft to operate at a speed greater than that of the engine crankshaft
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