overgovern

verb

over·​gov·​ern ˌō-vər-ˈgə-vərn 

overgoverned; overgoverning

transitive + intransitive

: to exercise excessive control in governing (someone or something)

The governor who is the least huffy and who is most careful not to overgovern is the one who has the most authority. Enforce civility upon all minor officials. Courtesy is a duty public servants owe to the humblest members of the public.

—Settler Self-Government, 1840-1900

overgoverned adjective

an overgoverned country

Word History

First Known Use

1845, in the meaning defined above