Overwrought

Definition

Overwrought is an adjective describing a state of being extremely agitated, anxious, or excited; it can also refer to something (such as a work of art or writing) elaborated to excess, often to the point of being overly ornate or overemotional.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA: /ˌoʊ.vərˈrɔːt/
• Respelling: OH-ver-RAWT

British English

• IPA: /ˌəʊ.vəˈrɔːt/
• Respelling: OH-vuh-RAWT

Etymology

Early 17th century: from over- + past participle of wrought (from Old English wyrcan “to work”), originally “worked beyond proper limits.”

Derivatives

• overwroughtly (adverb, rare)
• overwroughtness (noun, rare)

Synonyms

• agitated
• hysterical
• overexcited
• overelaborate
• overornate

Antonyms

• calm
• collected
• understated
• simple
• restrained

Usage

The adjective "overwrought" is used in emotional and artistic contexts to describe excessive agitation or overelaboration. For example, "After days without sleep she felt completely overwrought," or "The critic found the novel's prose overwrought and melodramatic."

Related Terms

• Agitated: Feeling or appearing troubled or nervous.
• Hysterical: Exhibiting uncontrolled emotion.
• Ornate: Made in an intricate shape or decorated with complex patterns.
• Elaborate: Involving many careful details.
• Melodramatic: Exaggeratedly emotional or sensational.

Detailed Definitions

Adjective

• Extremely agitated or anxious; in a state of excessive emotional tension – overwhelmed by stress or excitement.
  • Example: "She was so overwrought by the news that she could barely speak."
• Elaborated to excess; overly ornate or emotional – characterized by excessive detail or sentiment.
  • Example: "The play’s staging was criticized as overwrought, with too many set pieces and melodramatic gestures."