Overgives

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. To provide excessively or beyond what is necessary in terms of giving; to offer an oversupply of aid, attention, or resources; to commit oneself beyond reasonable limits in acts of generosity or support
2. Engaging in the act of giving more than is needed or beneficial; providing an abundance of support or assistance beyond what is typical; exceeding normal bounds in generosity or offering help
3. Demonstrating an inclination to give excessively, often resulting in diminishing returns; bestowing more resources, care, or attention than is practical; surpassing reasonable levels in acts of altruism or support

Etymology: "Overgives" is the third-person singular present form of "overgive," a verb meaning to give too much. Its base is "give," combined with the prefix "over-," which here carries the sense of excess, as in "overeat" or "overwork." The more interesting thread is the wider family of meanings around "overgive." Scots has "overgie," meaning to relinquish or resign, and Dutch "overgeven" and German "übergeben" both carry the sense of surrendering or handing over, while Danish "overgive" also means to surrender. In these languages the prefix leans toward transfer or yielding rather than excess, so the English verb sits somewhat apart from its cousins. Its basic sense of giving more than is due or wise is the one that has taken hold in English.

Synonyms: overhands, overpresents, overoffers

Antonyms: withholds, retains, keeps