Dictionary

overpress en · VERB

Etymology

From over- + press.

Meanings

1. (transitive) To bear upon (someone or something) with irresistible force; to crush, to overwhelm.
   • Deare heart forbeare to glance thine eye aſide, / VVhat needſt thou vvound vvith cunning vvhen thy might / Is more then my ore-preſt defence can bide? 1609, William Shakespeare, “Sonnet 139”, in Shake-speares Sonnets. […], London: By G[eorge] Eld for T[homas] T[horpe] and are to be sold by William Aspley, →OCLC, signature I, verso:
   • overpress'd spirits c. 1607–1608 (date written), William Shakespeare, [George Wilkins?], The Late, and Much Admired Play, Called Pericles, Prince of Tyre. […], London: […] [William White and Thomas Creede] for Henry Gosson, […], published 1609, →OCLC, [Act IV, scene ii]:
2. (transitive) To overcome by importunity.

Forms