overborne
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /ˌoʊvərˈbɔrn/
KK: /oʊvərˈbɔrn/
adjective
Definition
Describes someone or something that has been overpowered or overcome by a force or feeling.
Example
The hikers were overborne by fatigue after a long day of climbing.
Conversation
I heard you went hiking last weekend, how was it?
It was amazing, but I got a bit overborne by fatigue halfway through.
That sounds tough! Did you manage to finish the trail?
Yeah, but I had to take a lot of breaks to catch my breath.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
overwhelmed
overcome
subdued
Antonyms
empowered
unconquered
invincible
verb
Definition
To be overwhelmed or overpowered by something, often used in a figurative sense.
Example
She felt overborne by the weight of her responsibilities.
Tense Forms
Past: overbore
Past Participle: overborne
Conversation
I can’t believe how much I’ve been overborne by work lately.
That sounds really stressful! Have you thought about taking a break?
Yeah, I think I need some time to recharge from being overborne all the time.
Root Explanation
Overborne → It is formed from "over-" (meaning excessively or beyond) and "borne" (the past participle of "bear", meaning to carry or endure). The word "overborne" means to be excessively carried or overwhelmed by something.
Memory Tip
Think of being 'carried beyond' your limits — 'over-' means excessively, and 'borne' means to carry. This helps you remember that 'overborne' refers to being overwhelmed.
Visually Confused Words
forborne