Definition of overactive

The word "overactive" is believed to have originated in the mid-17th century. "Active" itself has its roots in the Latin "actuus," meaning "active" or "busy." To describe something as "overactive" likely arose from the combination of "over-" (meaning "beyond" or "excessive") and "active." This resulted in a term that describes something or someone that is excessively active, energetic, or intense. In the early 17th century, "overactive" was used to describe physical activities or bodily functions that were judged to be excessive or abnormal. For example, in the 1650s, "overactive" was used to describe a bodily function "too much" or "excessive." Over time, the term evolved to encompass not only physical actions but also mental or emotional states, lending itself to a broader range of uses in contemporary language.