Definition

To exaggerate or make something seem more important or serious than it really is.

Example

The media tends to overblow minor incidents to attract more viewers.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you see how he tried to overblow that note on the saxophone?

Yeah, it was kind of funny, but he actually pulled it off!

I didn’t think he could overblow like that so well.

Same here! It added a cool twist to the performance.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Overblow → It is formed from "over-" (meaning excessively) and "blow" (from Old English "blāwan", meaning to blow). The word "overblow" means to blow excessively or to exaggerate something.

Memory Tip

Think of blowing something up 'excessively' ('over-') — that's why overblow means to exaggerate.

Visually Confused Words