Dictionary

oversway en · VERB

Pronunciation

• /əʊvəˈsweɪ/ (UK)

Etymology

From over- + sway.

Meanings

1. (obsolete) To hold sway over; to have power or dominion over, to rule, govern.
   • [T]he Presidents authoritie so overswayed the discretion of Master Scrivener, that our store, our time, our strength and labours were idely consumed to fulfill his phantasies. 1624, Iohn [i.e., John] Smith, The Generall Historie of Virginia, New-England, and the Summer Isles: […], London: […] I[ohn] D[awson] and I[ohn] H[aviland] for Michael Sparkes, →OCLC:
2. To overrule.
3. To cause (someone, someone's thoughts or intentions etc.) to go in a particular direction; to influence.
4. To overpower, overwhelm.
   • Likevviſe the fragrancy of euery greene herbe yeeldeth ſuch a ſauour, as doth not a little obliterate and ouerſvvay the ſauour of the beaſt: […] 1607, Conradus Gesnerus [i.e., Conrad Gessner]; Edward Topsell, “The English Bloudhounde”, in The Historie of Foure-footed Beastes. […], London: […] William Iaggard, →OCLC, page 152:

Forms