overstructure

verb

over·​struc·​ture ˌō-vər-ˈstrək-chər How to pronounce overstructure (audio)
overstructured; overstructuring

transitive verb

: to design or do (something) according to an excessively rigid structure
When children's lives have been overstructured, they will experience boredom for a while, until they regain their inner directedness.Aletha Solter
… was never known for overstructuring his offense, much less branding it. He relied on his players' instincts to move the ball and hit the open man.Harvey Araton
overstructured adjective
an overstructured routine that she followed obsessively

Word History

First Known Use

1962, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overstructure was in 1962

Dictionary Entries Near overstructure

Cite this Entry

“Overstructure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overstructure. Accessed 12 Oct. 2024.

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