overrevving

Tachometer in danger

Overrevving is running an engine beyond its safe or optimal speed, risking damage to internal components.

The tachometer's redline marks where overrevving begins.

The term extends to any situation where something operates beyond intended limits: The team was overrevving, burning out before the project deadline.

Also spelled over-revving.

mechanical

redline

Editorial revision marking

tachometerRotational speed indicator
limiterBoundary-setting device
engineMachine producing motion

throttle · gearbox · clutch · downshift · upshift · cylinder · piston · valvetrain · crankshaft · camshaft

damage

overheating

Becoming dangerously warm

seizureForcible taking or convulsion
warpingBecoming bent or twisted
crackingBreaking without separating completely

fatigue · degradation · misfire

sensation

roar

Loud, deep animal cry

screamLoud sharp cry
whineComplain in high pitch
vibrationRapid oscillating movement

shudder · backfire · howl · shriek · rumble · rasp · deafening · ear-splitting · cacophony · drone

driving

acceleration

Rate velocity changes

speedRate of motion
powerEnergy transfer rate
torqueRotational force measurement

horsepower · performance · racing · burnout · launch · momentum · velocity · track · heel-toe

metaphor

burnout

Chronic occupational depletion

overwhelmDefeat by excess
exhaustionState of utter depletion
strainExcessive stretching force

redlining · overextension · stress · overwork · unsustainable

Opposites

engine speed

overrevvingidling

Operating without working

lugging · stalling · bogging down · running low · puttering

operational intensity

overrevvingunderperforming

Doing worse than expected

underworking · idling · stalling · throttling down · bogging down

Family

revolution, revolver, overdrive, revved, revs, overdriven, overdriving, overrevved

Familiarity: Top 1,000,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Rated G