overclose

O1V4E1R1C3L1O1S1E1

adjective

In too great a proximity.

Scrabble 14

Meanings

overclose1

adjectiveoverclose (comparative more overclose, superlative most overclose)

comparative more overclose · superlative most overclose

  1. In too great a proximity.

    She knew he was being only sensible, pity rather, and she said she was sorry, and they didn't stand overclose after that, the weight of the rain was seeping through the branches and now a great low gust of wind swept up the park, driving the soft ground spray in their faces.

    2013, Lewis Grassic Gibbon, Grey Granite, →ISBN
  2. Having too great an emotional attachment.

    As the child grows older mother and child have to separate, a complex process in which both child and parent need to find the right balance between love and intimacy, without becoming overclose, sexual or incestuous.

    2012, Michael Jacobs, The Presenting Past
  3. Lacking adequate ventilation; stuffy.
    1 more example

    Cows are also more liable to congestion of the lungs and to tuberculosis than are other cattle. The former may be induced by being kept in overclose, hot, and badly ventilated houses, rendering them liable to chills when turned out; and there is no doubt tuberculosis is largely spread by the presence of infected animals in such houses.

    1908, Charles Edward Green, D. Young, Encyclopædia of Agriculture

overclose2

verboverclose (third-person singular simple present overcloses, present participle overclosing, simple past and past participle overclosed)

present singular third person overcloses · participle present overclosing · participle past overclosed · past overclosed

  1. To close prematurely or excessively.
  2. natural sciencesTo form a closed universe before it has attained its present age.

Origin

overclose · adjective

  1. Middle Englishoverclose
  2. Englishoverclose

From Middle English overclose, equivalent to over- + close (adjective).

Full word history & related roots →

overclose · verb

  1. Middle Englishoverclosen
  2. Englishoverclose

From Middle English overclosen, equivalent to over- + close (verb).

Full word history & related roots →
Cite this entry
APA

overclose. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 3, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/overclose

MLA

“overclose.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/overclose. Accessed November 3, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “overclose,” accessed November 3, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/overclose.

Source: overclose on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.