overexpose

American  

[oh-ver-ik-spohz] / ˌoʊ vər ɪkˈspoʊz /

verb (used with object)

overexposed, overexposing

1. to expose too much, as to the sun, cold, or light rays (often used reflexively).

   Be careful of overexposing yourself to the sun.

2. Photography. to expose (a film or the like) to too much light.

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overexpose British  

/ ˌəʊvərɪksˈpəʊz /

verb

1. to expose too much or for too long

2. photog to expose (a film, plate, or paper) for too long a period or with too bright a light

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Other Word Forms

• overexposure
  noun

Etymology

Origin of overexpose

First recorded in 1865–70; over- + expose

Explanation

If you take a photograph in harsh sunlight, you may overexpose it, or ruin it with too much bright light. It might look cool and arty, but it’s usually just a washed out mess. Redo! A bright, washed out photograph that has no sharp details or clear highlights can be the result when you overexpose it. Another way to overexpose is to leave someone open to too much risk or public attention — a pushy stage parent may overexpose a child actor to the media, for example, in an attempt to make them famous. The photography meaning dates from the invention of photography itself in the nineteenth century.