overrespond

verb

over·​re·​spond ˌō-vər-ri-ˈspänd How to pronounce overrespond (audio)
overresponded; overresponding

intransitive verb

: to respond to something or someone too strongly : overreact
Democracies have a way of responding, perhaps overresponding, only to clear and present dangers.Colin S. Gray
Try not to overrespond to anger and hostility. It almost always pays to be courteous, respectful, and tactful …William J. Diehm
An allergic reaction is when the body overresponds to some substance …Babycenter Pregnancy: From Preconception to Birth

Word History

First Known Use

1918, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overrespond was in 1918

Dictionary Entries Near overrespond

Cite this Entry

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

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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