overactive

Everyday

1. Too active; working, moving or doing more than is normal or healthy. tree →
2. (body) An organ that works too hard, like an overactive thyroid. tree →

In the lessons

Used about imagination («an overactive imagination» — imagining scary or unlikely things), bodies and machines. Often a gentle way of saying someone is imagining things. Phrases: «an overactive imagination», «an overactive bladder».

Examples

• You have an overactive imagination — there is no monster under the bed. tree →
• The puppy was overactive after eating cake crumbs. tree →
• An overactive gland can make the heart beat fast. tree →
• My brother's overactive brain keeps him awake at night. tree →
• The detective said the witness had an overactive imagination. tree →
• An overactive volcano had to be watched closely. tree →

Note

Prefix «over-» means «too much». Opposite: «underactive». Also spelt «over-active». Not the same as «hyperactive», which is often used about children who cannot sit still.