overdo
Americanverb (used with object)
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to do to excess; overindulge in.
to overdo dieting.
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to carry to excess or beyond the proper limit.
He puts on so much charm that he overdoes it.
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to overact (a part); exaggerate.
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to overtax the strength of; fatigue; exhaust.
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to cook too much or too long; overcook.
Don't overdo the hamburgers.
verb (used without object)
verb
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to take or carry too far; do to excess
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to exaggerate, overelaborate, or overplay
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to cook or bake too long
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to overtax one's strength, capacity, etc
Other Word Forms
- overdoer noun
Etymology
Origin of overdo
before 1000; Middle English overdon, Old English oferdōn. See over-, do 1
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Because EMS lacks familiar markers for exhaustion—it’s hard to gauge effort with involuntary muscle contractions—people can unwittingly overdo it.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026
“One of the best things about music’s potential to decrease dementia risk is that it is fun, can be interactive and you can’t overdo it,” Jaffa said.
From MarketWatch • Nov. 5, 2025
"I mean, I'm not going to overdo it, but I felt sorry for him because he's under pressure. People make mistakes."
From BBC • Oct. 8, 2025
Either way, avoid going full-liquid; squash carries a lot of water and it’s easy to overdo it.
From Salon • Aug. 12, 2025
“Which do not overdo it, Pip,” said Joe; “but I shall be happy fur to see you able, sir.”
From "Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
