overextend

[oh-ver-ik-stend] /ˌoʊ vər ɪkˈstɛnd/

verb (used with object)

to extend, reach, or expand beyond a proper, safe, or reasonable point:

a company that overextended its credit to diversify.

to extend for too long a time:

to overextend a stay.

to obligate (oneself) to more activities, work, etc., than one has time for or can accomplish well.

Origin of overextend

1935-1940

First recorded in 1935-40; over- + extend

Related forms

overextension

[oh-ver-ik-sten-shuh n] /ˌoʊ vər ɪkˈstɛn ʃən/ (Show IPA), noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2017.
Cite This Source

Examples from the Web for over-extend

Contemporary Examples

Others would have America over-extend ourselves, confronting every evil that can be found abroad.

Obama Speech Looks Toward 2012 John Avlon June 22, 2011

Word Origin and History for over-extend

"to take on too much" (work, debt, etc.), 1937, from over- + extend. Related: Over-extended; over-extending.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
Cite This Source

What Is the Difference Between Discreet and Discrete?
Learn the correct uses of these two commonly confused homophones.
What Character Was Removed from the Alphabet?
What mistaken pronunciation gave this character its name?
Apostrophes 101
This small mark has two primary uses: to signify possession or omitted letters.
How Do I Get a Word into the Dictionary?
People invent new words all the time, but which ones actually make it?

Few English speakers likely know this word

Scrabble Words With Friends