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
While more research is needed to determine the exact reasons why this occurs, it is believed that a peptide called cathelicidin may play a key role in causing the immune system to go into overdrive, triggering redness, swelling and other symptoms of rosacea.
—
Leslie Baumann, Miami Herald, 20 Apr. 2024
When Piaget’s Polo 79 (pictured above) launched back in February, enthusiasts went into overdrive debating the $73,000 all-gold mechanical reissue of the disco era’s (predominantly quartz) model.
—Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 20 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for overdrive 
Leslie Baumann, Miami Herald, 20 Apr. 2024
When Piaget’s Polo 79 (pictured above) launched back in February, enthusiasts went into overdrive debating the $73,000 all-gold mechanical reissue of the disco era’s (predominantly quartz) model.
—Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 20 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for overdrive
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'overdrive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Overdrive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overdrive. Accessed 5 May. 2024.
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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