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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.


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

"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

Etymology

Origin of overstretch

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

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.

After building her online community on her Instagram page GlosBudgetMum, Ms Spurrier said she realised that many other parents also felt "overwhelmed and overstretched".

From BBC

But while there is much debate on whether valuations in the tech sector are overstretched, focus this week has been firmly on the prospect of more rate cuts.

From Barron's

The Nigerian military, considered one of the region's most powerful, is overstretched as it also grapples with jihadist activity in the east.

From Barron's

Staff in the "overstretched" child internet protection team were "unable to adequately impose or manage meaningful bail conditions, such as restrictions around internet usage".

From BBC

Wealden District Council raised concerns about "staffing at the camp, police provision and the additional strain on already overstretched public services".

From BBC