Overwrought

Meaning:

"Overwrought" describes a state of being excessively agitated, emotional, or nervous to the point of being exaggerated or overly elaborate. When someone is overwrought, they often display heightened emotions or reactions beyond what the situation warrants. This can manifest as intense anxiety, distress, or excitement, leading to irrational behavior or responses. In a psychological context, being overwrought may indicate a state of mental or emotional turmoil where an individual feels overwhelmed by their feelings or circumstances.

In a literary sense, "overwrought" can describe writing or art that is excessively ornate, melodramatic, or exaggerated. It suggests a lack of restraint or subtlety in expression, with emotions or descriptions being overly dramatic or extravagant. Overwrought prose or art may seem overdone or forced, detracting from its impact or authenticity. This term is often used to critique works that rely too heavily on heightened emotions or sensationalism, rather than conveying genuine depth or complexity.