Oversolicitous

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ˌəʊvəsəˈlɪsɪtəs/

Definitions

1. Marked by an overly intense concern for others' well-being, exhibiting a level of attention that may intrude upon personal space, and characterized by an excessive eagerness to attend to the needs of others
2. Showing an extreme and unnecessary degree of care or concern for someone's welfare that can feel overwhelming
3. Being unusually eager to offer help or support in a way that may exceed what is appropriate or welcome

Etymology: "Oversolicitous" is a plain compound: the prefix "over-", meaning "excessively," attached to "solicitous." That second part comes from Latin "sollicitus," meaning "anxious" or "troubled," built from "sollus" ("whole" or "entire") and "citus" ("set in motion" or "aroused"), so the root sense is of a mind thoroughly stirred up. Over the centuries "solicitous" moved from anxiety toward careful attentiveness, a shift in which concern for someone's welfare replaced worry about one's own state. Adding "over-" keeps that attentive sense but tips it into excess. An oversolicitous host hovers, refills glasses before they are empty, and fusses past the point of comfort. The word describes help that has become a burden, which is why it usually carries a faint note of criticism.

Synonyms: overly concerned, excessively attentive

Antonyms: indifferent, neglectful