v. /oh'veuhr werrk"/ ; n. /oh"veuhr werrk'/ , v.t.
1. to cause to work too hard, too much, or too long; weary or exhaust with work (often used reflexively): Don't overwork yourself on that new job.
2. to work up, stir up, or excite excessively: to overwork a mob to the verge of frenzy.
3. to employ or elaborate to excess: an appeal for sympathy that has been overworked by many speakers.
4. to work or decorate all over; decorate the surface of: white limestone overworked with inscriptions.
v.i.
5. to work too hard, too much, or too long; work to excess: You look as though you've been overworking.
n.
6. work beyond one's strength or capacity.
7. extra or excessive work.
[ bef. 1000; OE oferwyrcan. See OVER-, WORK ]