Find the word definition

The Collaborative International Dictionary
Overwind

Overwind \O`ver*wind"\, v. t. To wind too tightly, as a spring, or too far, as a hoisting rope on a drum.

Wiktionary
overwind

vb. (context transitive English) To wind#Etymology 2 (tighten a spring of) something excessively.

Usage examples of "overwind".

Wound up, in a few cases, until they were like clocks that had been overwound, and had to be released from their tension by medical intervention.

So the pressure was great, the overwinding zealous, and boys of unusual talent were groomed like racehorses by masters who gave them special time, and analysed examination papers for years back to cast some light on what questions might be asked, and what answers might most successfully be given.

Everyone from Ardiff on down had his own opinion on whether or not it was true, none of them could prove their opinion to anyone else, and the entire ship was about as tense as an overwound throwbow.

Her whole body felt aching and heavy and as tight as an overwound clock spring.

Once inside the bedroom, she collapsed into a chair, her heart pitter-pattering like an overwound toy.

He needed to be up, moving about to release the tension coiled like an overwound spring in his chest.

He did not notice Reynolds doubling and tripling his efforts, clawing, thrashing, slashing and pounding at Saul like some maddened, overwound clockwork toy.

No, Lily realized, she was tight all over, as if she were made of overwound springs ready to snap.

So the pressure was great, the overwinding zealous, and boys of unusual talent were groomed like racehorses by masters who gave them special time, and analysed examination papers for years back to cast some light on what questions might be asked, and what answers might most successfully be given.