overactive

adjective

over·​ac·​tive ˌō-vər-ˈak-tiv 

: excessively or abnormally active

overactive glands

an overactive imagination

overactivity

ˌō-vər-ak-ˈti-və-tē 

noun

Synonyms

• agitated
• excited
• feverish
• frenzied
• heated
• hectic
• hyperactive
• overwrought

Examples of overactive in a Sentence

She has an overactive bladder.

His crazy ideas are products of an overactive imagination.

Recent Examples on the Web

This overactive immune system speeds up skin cell growth. —Taylor Lane, Flow Space, 20 Nov. 2024

The effect was the same as that of an overactive group chat, if it were populated by pop stars instead of friends. —Alex Barasch, The New Yorker, 7 Oct. 2024

Autoimmune diseases are characterized by overactive T and B immune cells. —Amy Brownstein, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 10 July 2024

An overactive thyroid can speed up heart rate and cause irregular heart rhythms. —Alexandria Nyembwe, Phd, Rn, Health, 4 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1647, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

overactive

adjective

over·​ac·​tive ˌō-və-ˈrak-tiv 

: very active and especially abnormally so

an overactive thyroid

overactivity

-rak-ˈtiv-ət-ē 

noun

Medical Definition

overactive

adjective

over·​ac·​tive ˌō-və-ˈrak-tiv 

: excessively or abnormally active

an overactive mind

overactive glands

overactivity

-ˌrak-ˈtiv-ət-ē 

noun

plural overactivities