overhaul
To thoroughly examine and repair or renovate something.
Examples
In a meeting
“The entire billing system needs an overhaul — patches won't cut it anymore.”
Over coffee
“My diet needs a complete overhaul, not just cutting out snacks.”
Why this word
repair
Overhaul means completely dismantling and rebuilding a system, while repair fixes specific broken parts
revise
Overhaul implies thorough examination and reconstruction of all components, while revise suggests reviewing and modifying content
fix
Overhaul involves comprehensive systematic reconstruction, while fix addresses specific problems
Usage tip
Implies something is fundamentally broken or outdated. More drastic than 'revamp'. Often used when small fixes aren't enough.
Etymology
English over + haul — originally a nautical term meaning to pull ropes over and examine them thoroughly
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Related words
revamp
To give new and improved form, structure, or appearance to something.
augment
To make something greater by adding to it; to supplement.
deteriorate
To become progressively worse over time.
pivot
Change direction or strategy while maintaining a central focus
backtrack
To reverse a previous decision or statement
revert
To return to a previous state or practice