overstep

[oh-ver-step]

verb (used with object)

overstepped, overstepping 

1. to go beyond; exceed.

   to overstep one's authority.

overstep

/ ˌəʊvəˈstɛp /

verb

1. (tr) to go beyond (a certain or proper limit)

Word History and Origins

Origin of overstep¹

before 1000; Middle English oversteppen, Old English ofersteppan. See over-, step

Example Sentences

But the Fed’s large holdings now effectively overstep into the fiscal domain that is, or should be, the responsibility of elected officials, Warsh says.

Read more on Barron's

A message on 29 December showed Ms Bunyan saying she was not a "threat to Mr Renteria's family" and that she admitted overstepping boundaries, but felt Mr Renteria had done the same.

Read more on BBC

Legal challenges are expected, with opponents likely to argue that the administration overstepped its authority and unfairly privileges the ultra-rich.

Read more on Salon

On June 9, Breyer ruled to strip the president of command of federalized troops, saying he’d overstepped his authority under an obscure subsection of the U.S.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Chief Justice John G. Roberts joined the court’s three liberals in dissent and said the district judge had not overstepped his authority.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• meddle 
• violate