Overwrought: meaning, definitions and examples

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overwrought

[ˈoʊvərˌrɔːt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

emotional state

In a state of nervous excitement or anxiety, often to the point of being excessively or overly dramatic.

Synonyms

agitated, distraught, frantic, hysterical.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
overwrought	This term is often used when someone is excessively anxious, excited, or agitated, usually to the point that they have trouble thinking clearly. It conveys a sense of being emotionally overwhelmed and is often seen in more formal or literary contexts. She was overwrought with worry about the exam results. The overwrought actor couldn't remember his lines.
agitated	Use this word when someone is visibly upset or nervous, often due to stress or excitement. It implies a heightened emotional state but not necessarily a loss of control. He paced back and forth, clearly agitated about the meeting. The dog became agitated when it saw a stranger.
hysterical	A term that refers to extreme and uncontrollable emotions, often causing irrational behavior. It can carry a negative connotation, implying a lack of control and excessive reaction. She was hysterical after the argument, unable to calm down. The witness became hysterical under cross-examination.
frantic	Use this word when describing someone who is in a state of hurried, desperate activity, often due to fear or anxiety. It implies chaotic or rushed actions that may lack rational thought. He made a frantic search for his lost keys. The crowd was frantic as they tried to escape the building.
distraught	This word is appropriate for describing someone who is very upset and troubled, often due to a recent traumatic experience. It captures a deep level of distress and emotional pain. She was distraught after hearing the bad news. The mother was distraught when her child went missing.

Examples of usage

She was overwrought with worry about her upcoming exam.
The overwrought mother burst into tears at the sight of her child's scraped knee.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

literature

Excessively elaborate or ornate, especially in style or design.

Synonyms

fussy, lavish, ornate, overdone.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
overwrought	Often used to describe a person who is extremely emotional or exhausted due to stress. It can also describe something that is overly complicated or overly detailed. She was so overwrought with anxiety about her exams that she couldn't sleep The novel's plot was overwrought and hard to follow
ornate	Used to describe something that is elaborately decorated, often with intricate designs and patterns. The cathedral's interior was ornate with gold leaf and detailed carvings Her house has an ornate fireplace that becomes a centerpiece during gatherings
lavish	Used to describe something that is extravagant and luxurious, often implying a generous or excessive amount of something. They threw a lavish party to celebrate their anniversary The hotel was known for its lavish decor and opulent rooms
fussy	Typically used to describe a person who is overly concerned with small, unimportant details, or something that has too many unnecessary details. It can imply a sense of irritation. He's so fussy about his food that it's hard to find a restaurant he likes The design of the dress was too fussy with all those bows and ribbons
overdone	Often used in a negative sense to describe something that is excessively done, to the point of being ineffective or overwhelming. It can refer to food that is cooked too long or generally to anything excessive. The steak was overdone and tough to eat The special effects in the movie were overdone and distractingly unrealistic

Examples of usage

The overwrought descriptions in the novel made it difficult to follow the plot.
The artist's overwrought paintings were admired for their intricate details.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the combination of 'over', meaning too much, and 'wrought', which means worked or created.
It traces back to the Old English 'wrythan', meaning to twist or turn, hinting at the emotional state feeling twisted up.
Originally, it referred to something that was overly worked or exhausted before evolving into its emotional context.

Psychology

Overwrought emotions can lead to stress, anxiety, and physical symptoms, like headaches and insomnia.
People may experience feelings of being overwhelmed after significant life changes, such as moving to a new city or losing a job.
Therapists often encourage mindfulness and relaxation techniques to help manage feelings of being overwrought.

Literature

Overwrought characters often depict intense emotions, such as despair or obsession, which can drive the plot in dramatic works.
This term is frequently used in poetry to describe verses that seem excessively emotional or affected, sometimes seen as excessive by critics.
Famous authors may use overwrought expressions to convey the turmoil of their characters, adding depth to their narratives.

Pop Culture

In movies, overly wrought characters can often be seen in thrillers where tension and emotions run high, adding to suspense.
Television shows frequently explore themes of being overwrought through characters facing intense drama, showcasing relatable struggles.
Social media often amplifies feelings of being overwrought, as individuals share personal stories of stress and emotional conflict.

Health

Chronic stress from being overwrought can lead to serious health issues, like heart disease and weakened immune response.
Relaxation techniques such as yoga or deep breathing are recommended to alleviate symptoms related to feeling overwrought.
Mental health professionals emphasize early intervention; if someone is in a state of emotional turmoil, seeking help is crucial.

Translations

Translations of the word "overwrought" in other languages:

🇵🇹 excessivamente trabalhado

🇮🇳 अत्यधिक काम किया हुआ

🇩🇪 überarbeitet

🇮🇩 terlalu dikerjakan

🇺🇦 перевантажений

🇵🇱 przepracowany

🇯🇵 過度に仕上げられた

🇫🇷 trop travaillé

🇪🇸 excesivamente trabajado

🇹🇷 aşırı çalışılmış

🇰🇷 과도하게 일한

🇸🇦 مجهد للغاية

🇨🇿 přetížený

🇸🇰 prepracovaný

🇨🇳 过度劳累的

🇸🇮 preobremenjen

🇮🇸 ofhlaðinn

🇰🇿 шаршаған

🇬🇪 გადაღლილი

🇦🇿 çox işlənmiş

🇲🇽 excesivamente trabajado

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,218, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

...
28215 llama
28216 androgynous
28217 agglutinated
28218 overwrought
28219 unwound
28220 hallucinatory
28221 reverberating
...