Definition

To control or supervise something too closely or in an overly detailed manner, often leading to negative effects.

Example

The manager tends to overmanage the team, which makes everyone feel stressed and untrusted.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I think my boss tends to overmanage our projects sometimes.

Really? That sounds frustrating.

Yeah, it makes it hard for us to be creative.

I can imagine. A little trust goes a long way!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Overmanage → It is formed from "over-" (meaning excessively or too much) and "manage" (from Old French *managier*, meaning to handle or control). The word "overmanage" means to handle or control something excessively or too much.

Memory Tip

Think of 'over-' meaning too much and 'manage' meaning to handle — so overmanage means to handle something too much.

Visually Confused Words