overdo

[oh-ver-doo]

verb (used with object)

overdid, overdone, overdoing. 

1. to do to excess; overindulge in.

   to overdo dieting.

2. to carry to excess or beyond the proper limit.

   He puts on so much charm that he overdoes it.

3. to overact (a part); exaggerate.

4. to overtax the strength of; fatigue; exhaust.

5. to cook too much or too long; overcook.

   Don't overdo the hamburgers.

verb (used without object)

overdid, overdone, overdoing. 

1. to do too much; go to an extreme.

   Exercise is good but you mustn't overdo.

overdo

/ ˌəʊvəˈduː /

verb

1. to take or carry too far; do to excess

2. to exaggerate, overelaborate, or overplay

3. to cook or bake too long

4. to overtax one's strength, capacity, etc

Other Word Forms

• overdoer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of overdo¹

before 1000; Middle English overdon, Old English oferdōn. See over-, do ¹

Example Sentences

But, after they narrowly avoided an embarrassing defeat at Champions League minnows Qarabag, there were those questioning whether they might be overdoing the changes.

Read more on BBC

“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.

Read more on MarketWatch

True believers have a way of rhetorically overdoing it.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Kitchens and master bathroom projects tend to get the best return on investment, notes Gonzalez—but homeowners can “overdo” it.

Read more on Barron's

"I mean, I'm not going to overdo it, but I felt sorry for him because he's under pressure. People make mistakes."

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• exaggerate 
• overestimate 
• overplay 
• overrate 
• overreach 
• overstate 
• overuse 
• overvalue