belabor

Belabor is a verb with several related senses, primarily used in modern English in a figurative sense. The core meaning is to discuss, explain, or argue about something in excessive detail or to dwell on a subject in a tiresome way. It can also mean to attack someone verbally in a repetitive or unnecessary manner. The historical sense included a literal meaning of beating, but the physical sense is now archaic; today the term is almost always metaphorical.

Usage and nuances: Belabor is typically used with a direct object such as a point, argument, or topic (for example, belabor the point, belabor a subject). In most contexts, the tone is negative, signaling that the elaboration or criticism is excessive. For instance, one might say, “Let’s not belabor the point,” or “The report belabored the same statistics again.” In more neutral or clearer prose, one might substitute elaborating on, discussing at length, or reiterating.

Etymology: Belabor derives from be- plus labor, with early senses connected to laboring over something, including a now-obsolete sense of beating. The modern usage emerged in the 17th century and has since become a common way to critique over-extended discussion or critique. The British variant belabour exists and carries the same meaning.