overstretch

American  

[oh-ver-strech, oh-ver-strech, oh-ver-strech] / ˌoʊ vərˈstrɛtʃ, ˌoʊ vərˈstrɛtʃ, ˈoʊ vərˌstrɛtʃ /

verb (used with object)

1. to stretch excessively.

2. to stretch or extend over.

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noun

1. an act or instance of overstretching.

overstretch British  

/ ˌəʊvəˈstrɛtʃ /

verb

1. to make excessive demands or put excessive pressure on (oneself, finances, etc)

2. to stretch (muscles or limbs) too much or too hard

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Etymology

Origin of overstretch

1300–50; Middle English overstrecchen; see over-, stretch

Example Sentences

Some critics have voiced concern that the agreement could overstretch U.S. shipyards and make it harder to maintain America’s own fleet.

From Washington Post • Mar. 13, 2023

"We were trying to take him as far as we could but not overstretch him, so he can be ready for the playoffs," Baker said.

From Fox News • Oct. 2, 2021

Whatever happened on the tanker, human rights organisations say that to label these three young men as terrorists is a serious overstretch.

From BBC • Aug. 8, 2021

As yet, there are no contingency plans for handling clusters of cases that might overstretch health care facilities.

From Science Magazine • Jun. 9, 2021

“That was a nasty crash you just had. What happened, anyway? Something go wrong with the bike? Arthur Weasley overstretch himself again, him and his Muggle contraptions?”

From "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" by J.K. Rowling