overdo
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to do to excess; overindulge in.
to overdo dieting.
-
to carry to excess or beyond the proper limit.
He puts on so much charm that he overdoes it.
-
to overact (a part); exaggerate.
-
to overtax the strength of; fatigue; exhaust.
-
to cook too much or too long; overcook.
Don't overdo the hamburgers.
verb (used without object)
verb
-
to take or carry too far; do to excess
-
to exaggerate, overelaborate, or overplay
-
to cook or bake too long
-
to overtax one's strength, capacity, etc
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of overdo
before 1000; Middle English overdon, Old English oferdōn. See over-, do 1
Vocabulary lists containing overdo
Commonly Confused Words, List 2
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Commonly Confused Words, List 4
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Commonly Confused Words, List 8
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
And when she sees them twinty, more or less, what will she think?—Why would you say that?—she might find you out in a lie next minute, Mr. Overdo.
From Tales and Novels — Volume 08 by Edgeworth, Maria
Even smoking his pipe, very quietly, at his brother Martin's; from whence he was carried with a vast mob at his heels, before the worshipful Mr. Justice Overdo.
From History of John Bull by Arbuthnot, John
Some old play has a character in it who never ties his neckcloth without a warrant from Mr. Justice Overdo.
From The Anti-Slavery Examiner, Part 4 of 4 by American Anti-Slavery Society
Overdo, ō-vėr-dōō′, v.t. to do overmuch: to carry too far: to harass, to fatigue: to cook too much: to excel.—n.
From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 3 of 4: N-R) by Various
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.