overbearing

[ oh-ver-bair-ing ]
/ ˌoʊ vərˈbɛər ɪŋ /

adjective

domineering; dictatorial; haughtily or rudely arrogant.
of overwhelming or critical importance.

Origin of overbearing

First recorded in 1590–1600; overbear + -ing2

OTHER WORDS FROM overbearing

o·ver·bear·ing·ly, adverb o·ver·bear·ing·ness, noun

Definition for overbearing (2 of 2)

overbear
[ oh-ver-bair ]
/ ˌoʊ vərˈbɛər /

verb (used with object), o·ver·bore, o·ver·borne, o·ver·bear·ing.

to bear over or down by weight or force: With his superior strength he easily overbore his opponent in the fight.
to overcome or overwhelm: A spirited defense had overborne the enemy attack.
to prevail over or overrule (wishes, objections, etc.): She overbore all objections to the new plan.
to treat in a domineering way; dominate: to overbear one's children with threats of violence.
Nautical. (of a sailing ship) to have the advantage of (another sailing ship) because of an ability to carry more canvas safely.

verb (used without object), o·ver·bore, o·ver·borne, o·ver·bear·ing.

to produce fruit or progeny so abundantly as to impair the health.

Origin of overbear

First recorded in 1525–35; over- + bear1

OTHER WORDS FROM overbear

o·ver·bear·er, noun

Example sentences from the Web for overbearing

British Dictionary definitions for overbearing (1 of 2)

overbearing
/ (ˌəʊvəˈbɛərɪŋ) /

adjective

domineering or dictatorial in manner or action
of particular or overriding importance or significance

Derived forms of overbearing

overbearingly, adverb

British Dictionary definitions for overbearing (2 of 2)

overbear
/ (ˌəʊvəˈbɛə) /

verb -bears, -bearing, -bore or -borne

(tr) to dominate or overcome to overbear objections
(tr) to press or bear down with weight or physical force
to produce or bear (fruit, progeny, etc) excessively