Overconcerning

Part of speech: adjective, verb

Definitions

1. Characterizing a state in which excessive worry or anxiety is directed towards someone or something
2. Describing a tendency to be overly preoccupied with the well-being or actions of another
3. Pertaining to a mindset marked by an intensification of concern that surpasses reasonable limits

Etymology: "Overconcerning" is built from "over-" and "concern," and the word is a simple combination of the two. "Concern" came into English from Old French "concerner," which derives from Latin "concernere," meaning "to sift together" or "to relate to." The sense of worry emerged from the idea of something touching or bearing on a person, so that a matter "concerns" you when it affects you. Adding "over-" gives the sense of too much. The prefix is a native English element used since Old English to mean "excessive" or "beyond what is proper," as in "overeat" or "overcook." Put together, "overconcern" means to be worried beyond what the situation warrants, and "overconcerning" is the form of that verb used for the ongoing action, as in "stop overconcerning yourself about small things."

Synonyms: overworrying, overanxious, overthinking, overcautious, overattentive

Antonyms: carefree, unconcerned, indifferent, unworried, neglectful