outstay

[out-stey]

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verb (used with object)

to stay longer than.

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. 2019

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.
The Supplies for the Confederate Army
Caleb Huse
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)

to stay longer than

to stay beyond (a limit)

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

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