/oh'veuhr ruyt"/ , v. , overwrote, overwritten, overwriting .
v.t.
1. to write in too elaborate, burdensome, diffuse, or prolix a style: He overwrites his essays to the point of absurdity.
2. to write in excess of the requirements, esp. so as to defeat the original intention: That young playwright tends to overwrite her big scenes.
3. to write on or over; cover with writing: a flyleaf overwritten with a dedication.
v.i.
4. to write too elaborately: The problem with so many young authors is that they tend to overwrite.
[ 1690-1700; OVER- + WRITE ]