Overhaul Meaning and Definition
Overhaul
Pronunciation
/oʊˈhaw/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A thorough and comprehensive revision or renovation of something, especially a system, process, or machine, to improve its performance, efficiency, or effectiveness.
Examples
- The company underwent an overhaul of its customer service department.
- The mechanic performed an overhaul on the old car engine.
Synonyms
- Reform
- Renovation
- Overhauling
Antonyms
- Maintenance
- Fix
- Repair
Additional Information
An overhaul can involve significant changes to the structure, design, or functionality of something. It is often used to improve performance, reduce costs, or increase efficiency. Overhauls can be complex and time-consuming, requiring significant resources and expertise.
Overhauls can also be used to improve safety, reduce environmental impact, or comply with regulations. In business, an overhaul may involve restructuring or reorganizing an organization to better adapt to changing market conditions.
Etymology
The word “overhaul” comes from the Old English words “ofer” meaning “over” and “haul” meaning “to pull”. It originally referred to the act of pulling or hauling something over something else, and later came to mean a thorough revision or renovation.
Usage Notes
An overhaul is often used in a business or technical context to describe a major change or renovation. However, it can also be used in a more figurative sense to describe a thorough examination or revision of something.
Cultural References
The term “overhaul” has been used in various cultural references, including literature, film, and television. For example, the phrase “overhaul the system” has been used in numerous films and TV shows to describe a call for radical change.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
"Overhauled from top to bottom" is a common idiomatic phrase used to describe a complete renovation or thorough revision of something.
Related Words or Phrases
"Revamp"’, "renovate", "reform" are all related to the concept of overhaul.
Collocations
"Overhaul" often collocates with words like "system", "process", "machine", "organization".
Frequency of Use
"Overhaul" is a relatively rare word in everyday language, but it is commonly used in business, technical, and academic contexts.
Common Misspellings
"Overhol" is a common misspelling of "overhaul".