overdrive

(ōvər drīv′)

noun

  1. a gear that at a certain speed automatically reduces an engine's power output without reducing its driving speed: used to lessen fuel consumption and engine wear
  2. Informal a state of intensified activity, productivity, etc.

See overdrive in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
  1. A gearing mechanism of a motor vehicle engine that reduces the power output required to maintain driving speed in a specific range by lowering the gear ratio.
  2. Informal A state of heightened activity or concentration: shifted into overdrive toward the end of the semester.
transitive verb (ōˌvər-drīvˈ) o·ver·drove (-drōvˈ), o·ver·driv·en (-drĭvˌən), o·ver·driv·ing, o·ver·drives
  1. To drive (a vehicle) too far or too long.
  2. To push (oneself) too far, as in the performance of tasks.

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