Synonyms

overstep

American

[oh-ver-step] / ˌoʊ vərˈstɛp /

verb (used with object)

to go beyond; exceed.

to overstep one's authority.

overstep British

/ ˌəʊvəˈstɛp /

verb

(tr) to go beyond (a certain or proper limit)

"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

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Etymology

Origin of overstep

before 1000; Middle English oversteppen, Old English ofersteppan. See over-, step

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

You may have also seen Ilana’s writing on our Guest Blog about a month ago – When Does a Medical Student Overstep Her Boundaries?.

From Scientific American • Feb. 16, 2012

Overstep Sirs: Don't bear down on the "formula" idea so hard.

From Time Magazine Archive

Overstep it not, neither repeat that which any man, be he prince or peasant, saith in opening the heart; it is abhorrent to the soul.

From The Instruction of Ptah-Hotep and the Instruction of Ke'Gemni The Oldest Books in the World by Ptahhotep

Overstep not the bounds of moderation, and deal justly with them that serve thee....

From The Promised Day Is Come by Shoghi Effendi

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023