overinform

verb

over·​in·​form ˌō-vər-in-ˈfȯrm How to pronounce overinform (audio)
overinformed; overinforming
: to inform (someone or something) too much: such as
a
transitive : to provide (someone) with more information than is usual or strictly necessary
… argues that its management must overinform its employees by sending the same messages through duplicate channels …Krysztof Obloj et al.
… we encourage the county to fix nonworking sirens, even if the information they provide is redundant for many people. Overinforming the public about such things as the potential for a tornado is OK.The Green Bay (Wisconsin) Press-Gazette
b
transitive : to play too large a part in determining the character or essence of (something)
But neither should the prevalence of risk factors … overinform investing strategy …Tim Shufelt
When we are separate from others, our judgments of them are likely to be overinformed by the odd, memorable, and negative case.Bruce Evan Blaine
c
intransitive : to provide excessive or unnecessary information or instruction
New administrators who overinform or seek advice too frequently … can weaken their relationships with their superintendents.Thomas A. Kersten

Word History

First Known Use

1925, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overinform was in 1925

Dictionary Entries Near overinform

Cite this Entry

“Overinform.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overinform. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

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