overkill
[ oh-ver-kil ]
/ ˈoʊ vərˌkɪl /
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noun
the capacity of a nation to destroy, by nuclear weapons, more of an enemy than would be necessary for a military victory.
an instance of such destruction.
an excess of what is required or suitable, as because of zeal or misjudgment.
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“Was” is used for the indicative past tense of “to be,” and “were” is only used for the subjunctive past tense.
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Words nearby overkill
overindulge, overissue, overjet, overjoy, overjoyed, overkill, overlade, overlaid, overland, overland mail, Overland Park
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
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British Dictionary definitions for overkill
overkill
/ (ˈəʊvəˌkɪl) /
noun
the capability to deploy more weapons, esp nuclear weapons, than is necessary to ensure military advantage
any capacity or treatment that is greater than that required or appropriate
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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