verb

overhaul

/ˌoʊvərˈhɔːl/ · say it: OH·vur·HAWL

a thorough reform or rebuilding of a system

In From the Front Page

In more detail

1. (verb) to examine something carefully and make necessary repairs or improvements

2. (verb) to overtake or catch up with someone or something that is ahead

3. (noun) a thorough examination and repair of something

Examples

1. The car engine needs a complete overhaul.
2. The runner managed to overhaul her competitor in the final lap.
3. The company is planning a major overhaul of its management system.

How to use overhaul

Overhaul means to carefully examine and repair or improve something systematically, often implying significant work and changes. It can refer to physical objects (engines, machinery) or abstract systems (policies, procedures). In the second sense (to overtake), it is less common in modern usage and typically appears in nautical or technical contexts.

Common phrases

overhaul the system
overhaul an engine
major overhaul
complete overhaul
need an overhaul
overhaul procedures

Synonyms

renovate · refurbish · revamp · rebuild · restore

Opposites

neglect · ignore

Word family

overhaul (noun) · overhauled (adjective) · overhauling (gerund/participle)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse 'overhaul' with 'overall' (which means general or comprehensive); these are entirely different words with different pronunciations and meanings.

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