overextend

[ oh-ver-ik-stend ]

/ ˌoʊ vər ɪkˈstɛnd /

to extend, reach, or expand beyond a proper, safe, or reasonable point: a company that overextended its credit to diversify.

to extend for too long a time: to overextend a stay.

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

Nearby words

First recorded in 1935–40; over- + extend

o·ver·ex·ten·sion

[oh-ver-ik-sten-shuh n] /ˌoʊ vər ɪkˈstɛn ʃən/, noun

The regiment, when operating alone and attacking, should undertake an enveloping attack if it does not result in overextension.
Infantry Drill Regulations, United States Army, 1911|United States War Department