Definition

To wind something too tightly, causing it to break or malfunction.

Example

He overwound the clock, which caused it to stop working.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I think I might have overwind my watch again.

Oh no, does it still work?

Not really, it stopped ticking after that.

You should be careful; that can really damage the mechanism.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Overwind → It is formed from "over-" (meaning excessively or too much) and "wind" (from Old English "windan", meaning to twist or turn). The word "overwind" means to twist or turn something too much or excessively.

Memory Tip

Think of 'over' meaning too much and 'wind' meaning to twist — this helps you remember that 'overwind' means to twist something too much.

Visually Confused Words