Standard Lemma guide

overpoise

noun · verb · 4 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

That which outweighs; excessive weight.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: figuratively, uncountable

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To exceed in importance, strength or value.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: obsolete

Examples

  • 1587, Raphael Holinshed et al., Holinshed's Chronicles, London: John Harrison et al., Volume 2, “A Treatise conteining a plaine and perfect description of Ireland,” p. 36, But sith it pleased your maiestie, with so indifferent balance to ponder both our tales, I am throughlie persuaded, that my loiall innocencie shall be able, to ouerpoise his forged treacherie.
  • 1791, William Cowper (translator), The Iliad, Book 1, lines 710-711, in The Works of William Cowper, London: Baldwin and Cradock, 1837, Volume 11, p. 26, [...] thus we speed Ever, when evil overpoises good.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: outweigh

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

To place excessive weight on (someone or something).

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: obsolete

Examples

  • 1658, Thomas Browne, Pseudodoxia Epidemica, London: N. Ekins, 3rd edition, Book 4, Chapter 6, p. 168, Whether cripples and mutilated persons, who have lost the greatest part of their thighs, will not sink but float, their lungs being abler to waft up their bodies, which are in others overpoised by the hinder legs, we have not made experiment.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: overburden

Antonyms: none provided

4

verb

Meaning 4

To throw (someone or something) off balance.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: obsolete

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: overbalance

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From over- + poise.

Across languages

Translations

1 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Bulgarian: превес (preves) — That which outweighs