Overstrung Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ˜ฐ
Add to dictionary

overstrung

[หˆoสŠvษ™rstrสŒล‹ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

emotional state

Overstrung refers to a state where someone is excessively tense or emotional, often resulting from stress or anxiety. This term is commonly used to describe individuals who are feeling overwhelmed or are unable to cope with pressure. When someone is overstrung, their reactions and behaviors may be heightened and more intense than usual, leading to greater frustration and irritability.

Synonyms

agitated, nervous, strained, tense, uptight.

Examples of usage

  • She was overstrung from studying for exams.
  • After the argument, he felt overstrung and needed to calm down.
  • The constant demands at work left her feeling overstrung.
  • He got overstrung and snapped at his friends.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Feeling overstrung can lead to increased anxiety and stress levels, making it hard to relax or focus.
  • Psychologists recommend mindfulness techniques to help manage feelings of being overstrung.

Literature

  • In literature, characters described as overstrung often portray intense emotions, creating dramatic tension.
  • Authors like Virginia Woolf showcase protagonists who experience periods of being overstrung as they navigate complex social situations.

Pop Culture

  • Songs about stress and anxiety often reference feeling overstrung, resonating with listeners who relate to these feelings.
  • Movies featuring high-pressure situations frequently depict characters as overstrung before a critical moment, heightening the drama.

Workplace Dynamics

  • In high-pressure jobs, employees may report feeling overstrung, leading to burnout if not managed well.
  • Effective management practices encourage work-life balance to prevent employees from becoming overstrung.

Origin of 'overstrung'

Main points about word origin

  • The word combines 'over' meaning too much, and 'strung', which relates to being tense or pulled tight.
  • Historically, 'strung' originates from the Old English word 'strong', which means tense and firm.

The word 'overstrung' is derived from the prefix 'over-', which indicates an excess or too much of something, and the past participle 'strung', related to the verb 'string'. The verb 'string' comes from Old English 'streng', meaning to stretch or tighten. Over time, 'overstrung' has evolved in usage to describe not just physical tension but also a mental or emotional state where someone feels they have been stretched beyond their capacity to cope. This term has been used in English literature since the late 19th century to convey heightened emotional responses, often in the context of creative expression or dramatic situations.