Overpolishing

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. The process of refining a surface or quality excessively, resulting in diminishing value or integrity
2. The act of improving something to such an extent that it loses its original appeal or usefulness
3. Applying polish too much on an object, which can harm or degrade its surface

Etymology: "Polish" comes from Latin "polire," meaning to smooth, scour or make glossy, and it reached English through Old French "polir" in the Middle English period. Over- is an ordinary English prefix meaning "too much" or "excessively," as in "overcook" or "overeat." Put together, "overpolish" means to polish beyond the point where the surface gains anything, and the form here is simply the -ing version of that verb. The sense that matters most is the one the prefix adds: polishing is normally a gain, so the word names a loss that comes from doing too much of a good thing. Rubbing a metal surface or a piece of wood removes material each time, so excess polishing can thin the surface, dull fine detail and wear away the finish that gave the object its value. The same logic is applied figuratively to writing, music and manners, where refinement can strip out the rough edges that gave the work its character.