Irregular verbs  Regular verbs

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overwind, overwinds, overwinding, overwound

Synonyms: over-tighten, strain, tighten too much, break, damage

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Antonyms: unwind, loosen, slacken, relax, wind properly

The Verb Overwind – Definition, Usage, and Clarification


The verb overwind is an irregular verb meaning to wind a mechanical spring (in a clock, watch, or toy) past its proper limit, often causing it to break.


VERB FORMS


■ Base Form: overwind
■ Past Simple: overwound
■ Past Participle: overwound
■ Present Participle/Gerund: overwinding


USAGE AND CONTEXT


This is a specific, technical verb related to mechanics that has become less common with the decline of wind-up devices.


1. Winding Mechanical Devices
This is the sole context for this verb.


■ Watches/Clocks: 'He was told to be very careful not to overwind his grandfather's antique pocket watch.'
■ Toys: 'If you overwind this old tin toy, the spring inside will snap.'


ℹ IMPORTANT: A MECHANICAL TERM


■ Declining Usage: As fewer people use mechanical wind-up devices, this verb has become less common in everyday language. Many younger speakers may not be familiar with it.


■ No Figurative Meaning: Unlike many 'over-' verbs, 'overwind' does not have a common figurative meaning. It is used exclusively for the literal action of winding something too tightly.