overcommit

[ oh-ver-kuh-mit ]

verb (used with object)

, o·ver·com·mit·ted, o·ver·com·mit·ting.

1. to commit more than is feasible, desirable, or necessary.

overcommit

/ ˌəʊvəkəˈmɪt /

verb

1. tr to promise, undertake, or allocate more than the available resources justify

Other Words From

• over·com·mitment noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of overcommit¹

First recorded in 1950–55; over- + commit

Example Sentences

He’s well-known for his sharp route running, and he possesses an ability to patiently read the leverage of his defenders, then quickly change direction and break their ankles when they overcommit.

From FiveThirtyEight

If defenders overcommit to halting his forward momentum, he slithers through horizontal cracks with ease.

From FiveThirtyEight

If a defensive coordinator will reliably overcommit defenders to the box in obvious passing situations, opposing offenses could potentially take advantage.

From FiveThirtyEight