oversolicitude

English

Etymology

over- +‎ solicitude

Pronunciation

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /ˌəʊvəsəˈlɪsɪˌtjuːd/
• (General American) IPA^(key): /ˌoʊvɚsəˈlɪsɪˌt(j)ud/

Noun

oversolicitude (uncountable)

1. Excessive solicitude.
   • 1762, “Emilius and Sophia: Or, A New System of Education”, in The Critical Review, page 262:

     The miſchief is done, and there is a neceſſity for his bearing the pain of it ; my overſolicitude would only ſerve to frighten him the more, and increaſe his ſenſibility.

   • 1931, Ira S. Wile, “Mental Hygiene in Childhood”, in Mind and Body, volume 38, number 395, page 548:

     To broadcast the hazards of parental oversolicitude, parental pressures and domination and the harmfulness of potential parental fixations is part of the service of rational constructive mental hygiene.

   • 1988 July 20, Sylvie Drake, “Stage Review: Gay Son's Life with Father in 'Sum of Us'”, in Los Angeles Times:

     Harry's oversolicitude is no different from that of any other meddling, well-intentioned parent.

Related terms

• oversolicitous