overarching

adjective

1. forming an arch above: great trees with overarching branches.
2. encompassing or overshadowing everything: The community’s overarching needs are more jobs and better housing.

verb (used with object)

1. to span with or like an arch: A new bridge overarches the river.

verb (used without object)

2. to form an arch over something: a cerulean sky overarching in the early twilight.

adjective

1. overall; all-encompassingan overarching concept

verb

1. (tr) to form an arch over

adj.1720, from present participle of verb overarch (1660s), from over- + arch (v.).