overextend

verb

over·​ex·​tend ˌō-vər-ik-ˈstend 

overextended; overextending; overextends

transitive verb

: to extend or expand beyond a safe or reasonable point

especially : to commit (oneself) financially beyond what can be paid

overextension

ˌō-vər-ik-ˈsten(t)-shən 

noun

Examples of overextend in a Sentence

He overextended a muscle in his arm.

Recent Examples on the Web

That led to Rivers often overextending Brook Lopez and looking for answers. —Eric Nehm, The Athletic, 20 Feb. 2025

Recent commentary from the White House, Vice President JD Vance and Elon Musk on the judiciary and the rule of law has raised concerns among some critics of Trump, with fears that the president is overextending his power. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 15 Feb. 2025

Seek partnerships that align with your brand, opening new revenue streams without overextending your resources. —Sheraz Ahmed, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025

Watch for overextending your budget when the Pisces moon meets Jupiter. —USA TODAY, 31 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing overextend

• overextend oneself

Rhymes for overextend

• superintend
• amend
• append
• ascend
• attend
• backend
• befriend
• boyfriend
• commend
• compend
• contend
• defend

Kids Definition

overextend

verb

over·​ex·​tend ˌō-vər-ik-ˈstend 

: to extend or expand beyond a safe or reasonable point

especially : to commit (oneself) financially beyond what can be paid

overextension

-ˈsten-shən 

noun

Medical Definition

overextend

transitive verb

over·​ex·​tend ˌō-və-rik-ˈstend 

: to extend too far

overextend the back

overextension

-ˈsten-chən 

noun