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definitions

outstay

[out-stey]
See more synonyms for outstay on Thesaurus.com
verb (used with object)
  1. to stay longer than.
  2. to stay beyond the time or duration of; overstay: to outstay one's welcome.

Origin of outstay

First recorded in 1590–1600; out- + stay1
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words for outstay

survive, outlive, reside, settle, last, linger, hang, stop, delay, remain, continue, stand, outwear, outstay, endure, prevail, reprieve, perch, hover, halt

Examples from the Web for outstay

Historical Examples of outstay

  • He had pledged himself so faithfully not to outstay the first attack!

    The Downfall

    Emile Zola

  • With that knowledge, surely with that in his mind, he could outstay their patience.

    The Wild Geese

    Stanley John Weyman

  • As he had entered the office first, it was in order for me to outstay him, which I did.

  • She was most anxious on this first occasion not to outstay her welcome.

    Mammon and Co.

    E. F. Benson

  • Come, Josie,' said thoughtful Bess, fearing to outstay their welcome.

    Jo's Boys

    Louisa May Alcott

British Dictionary definitions for outstay

outstay

verb (tr)
  1. to stay longer than
  2. to stay beyond (a limit)
  3. outstay one's welcome See overstay (def. 4)
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for outstay
v.

c.1600, from out (adv.) + stay (v.).

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper