outstay

[out-stey]

verb (used with object)

1. to stay longer than.

2. to stay beyond the time or duration of; overstay.

   to outstay one's welcome.

outstay

/ ˌaʊtˈsteɪ /

verb

1. to stay longer than

2. to stay beyond (a limit)

3. See overstay

Word History and Origins

Origin of outstay¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; out- + stay ¹

Example Sentences

"It was a hard choice for William, but he saw it right. He thought this horse would see out the mile trip and he outstayed them," said Appleby.

From BBC

"The worst thing you can do with a comedy is to outstay your welcome."

From Salon

Southgate may have sensed it himself as he talked of “not outstaying my welcome” before a Nations League meeting with Hungary at Molineux.

From BBC

Because I am constantly looking for reasons to get rid of old things, old ways of thinking and being that have outstayed their usefulness, I’m drawn to spring cleaning as an annual rite.

From New York Times

Or lead her to conclude, given the at best tepid public support of her colleagues, that she has outstayed her welcome.

From BBC

Related Words

• continue 
• delay 
• hang 
• last 
• linger 
• remain 
• reside 
• settle 
• stand 
• stick around 
• stop