overarch

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to form an arch above or extend over something

   Old branches overarch the narrow path beside the river.

2. 2
   verb

   to encompass, connect, or dominate a set of details as a larger theme or structure

   A concern with memory overarches all three sections of the novel.

Formed from over + arch. The literal verb describes something forming an arch above another thing; the common figurative sense treats a broad principle or theme as a structure spanning many smaller parts.

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