definitions
  • synonyms

overmatch

[ oh-ver-mach ]
/ ˌoʊ vərˈmætʃ /
|

verb (used with object)

to be more than a match for; surpass; defeat: an assignment that clearly overmatched his abilities; an able task force that overmatched the enemy fleet.
to match (a competitor) against another of superior strength, ability, or the like.

Nearby words

overman, overmanned, overmanning, overmantel, overmaster, overmatch, overmatter, overmeasure, overmedicate, overmodulation, overmorrow

Origin of overmatch

First recorded in 1300–50, overmatch is from the Middle English word overmacchen. See over-, match2
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for overmatch

British Dictionary definitions for overmatch

overmatch

/ mainly US /

verb (ˌəʊvəˈmætʃ) (tr)

to be more than a match for
to match with a superior opponent

noun (ˈəʊvəˌmætʃ)

a person superior in ability
a match in which one contestant is superior
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for overmatch

overmatch

v.

mid-14c., "be more than a match for," from over- + match (v.). Related: Overmatched; overmatching.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper