v. /oh'veuhr druyv"/ ; n. /oh"veuhr druyv'/ , v. , overdrove, overdriven, overdriving , n.
v.t.
1. to push or carry to excess; overwork.
2. to drive too hard.
n.
3. 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.
4. Informal. an intense state of activity or productivity: The political campaign has shifted into overdrive.
[ bef. 950; ME overdriven to cover over, overpower; OE oferdrifan to drive away, overthrow. See OVER-, DRIVE ]