overreach

[oh-ver-reech]

verb (used with object)

1. to reach or extend over or beyond.

   The shelf overreached the nook and had to be planed down.

2. to go beyond, as a thing aimed at or sought.

   an arrow that had overreached the target.

3. to stretch to excess, as by a straining effort.

   to overreach one's arm and strain a muscle.

4. to defeat (oneself ) by overdoing matters, often by excessive eagerness or cunning.

   In trying to promote disunity he had overreached himself.

5. to strain or exert (oneself or itself ) to the point of exceeding the purpose.

6. to get the better of, especially by deceit or trickery; outwit.

   Every time you deal with them you wonder if they're overreaching you.

7. to overtake.

8. Obsolete.,  to overpower.

verb (used without object)

1. to reach or extend over something.

2. to reach too far.

   In grabbing for the rope he overreached and fell.

3. to cheat others.

4. (of a running or walking horse) to strike, or strike and injure, the forefoot with the hind foot.

5. Nautical.,  to sail on a tack longer than is desirable or was intended; overstand.

overreach

/ ˌəʊvəˈriːtʃ /

verb

1. (tr) to defeat or thwart (oneself) by attempting to do or gain too much

2. (tr) to aim for but miss by going too far or attempting too much

3. to get the better of (a person) by trickery

4. (tr) to reach or extend beyond or over

5. (intr) to reach or go too far

6. (intr) (of a horse) to strike the back of a forefoot with the edge of the opposite hind foot

Other Word Forms

• overreacher noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of overreach¹

First recorded in 1300–50; over- + reach ( def. )

Example Sentences

Even so, Coroneos continued, the track has become divisive, leading some listeners to call for a boycott of Bryan’s music, while others are hailing him as a folk hero standing against government overreach.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

But the proposal provoked strong reactions across higher education, with some decrying it as federal overreach and others calling the terms reasonable.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

If lawmakers are serious about protecting their institution—and the balance of powers—it’s time to prepare for the next round of executive overreach.

Read more on Barron's

Prosecutors have asked for a minimum of 11 years, but Combs' lawyers have argued that such a sentence would be a dramatic overreach.

Read more on BBC

It’s a massive overreach for global power and influence, at a moment when he is widely despised virtually everywhere, and a complete rejection of the entire legacy of post-World War II internationalism.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• overdo