overextend

[ oh-ver-ik-stend ]

verb (used with object)

1. to extend, reach, or expand beyond a proper, safe, or reasonable point:

   a company that overextended its credit to diversify.

2. to extend for too long a time:

   to overextend a stay.

3. to obligate (oneself ) to more activities, work, etc., than one has time for or can accomplish well.

Other Words From

• o·ver·ex·ten·sion [oh-ver-ik-, sten, -sh, uh, n], noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of overextend¹

First recorded in 1935–40; over- + extend

Example Sentences

Ergonomic keyboards feature a “split” design, with the keys separated into two sections so you can use them without twisting or overextending your arms, shoulders, or back.

From Popular-Science

It also showed up in near-self-martyrdom when I’d overextend myself for other people, while also abandoning countless personal projects that were important to me.

From Outside Online

The company also works to avoid overextending team members — for example, by not scheduling meetings during the lunch hour or during school drop-offs and pick-ups.

From Digiday

It’s historically been held up as a reason that pregnant people should be careful not to overextend their joints, as they’ll be more flexible than usual.

From Popular-Science

Related Words

• drain
• fatigue
• frazzle
• impoverish
• overwork
• sap
• tire out
• use up
• weaken
• wear out
• weary