overhaul

verb

over·​haul ˌō-vər-ˈhȯl 

overhauled; overhauling; overhauls

transitive verb

1

a

: to examine thoroughly

our systems of education are being constantly overhauled

—Saturday Rev.

b(1)

: repair

The mechanic overhauled the engine.

(2)

: to renovate, remake, revise, or renew thoroughly

Lawmakers are overhauling the welfare program.

2

: to haul or drag over

3

: overtake

The most imposing U.S. swimmer was overhauled by a 17-year-old Australian in the butterfly race.

overhaul

ˈō-vər-ˌhȯl 

noun

Synonyms

• catch
• catch up (with)
• overtake

Examples of overhaul in a Sentence

The mechanic overhauled the car's engine.

They had to overhaul their original plans.

Lawmakers are overhauling the welfare program.

Recent Examples on the Web

The legislation, filed by Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, an Arnold Republican running for Missouri secretary of state, would overhaul the state’s century-old initiative petition process that allows voters to place constitutional amendments on the ballot by gathering signatures. —Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 25 Apr. 2024

Advertisement Though still fairly new, county officials say the program is proving to be one of the county’s most promising models in its effort to overhaul the region’s mental health system, especially at a time when California is working to do the same. —Tammy Murga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1705, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

overhaul

verb

over·​haul ˌō-vər-ˈhȯl 

1

: to make a thorough examination of and make necessary repairs and adjustments on

overhaul an engine

2

: overtake sense 1a

overhaul

ˈō-vər-ˌhȯl 

noun