overstretch

1 of 2

noun

over·stretch ˈō-vər-ˌstrech

plural overstretches

: the act or an instance of stretching something beyond normal limits

an overstretch of political power

… a classic case of military and economic overstretch.—

Robert G. Patman

overstretch

2 of 2

verb

over·stretch ˌō-vər-ˈstrech

overstretched; overstretching

transitive + intransitive

: to stretch (something or someone) to excess or beyond normal limits

Worsted yarn, and any yarn inclined to "kink" should be weighted slightly as it dries, but take care not to overstretch the wool.—

Eileen Hobden

temperature changes causing the tire to overstretch

They overstretched [=overextended] themselves financially.

Too few staff means overstretched [=overburdened] crews and patients waiting for longer.—

Christina McAnea

Examples of overstretch in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

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Noun

Washington’s Looming Middle Eastern Quagmire The war in Gaza, American overstretch, and the case for retrenchment. —

Salam Fayyad, Foreign Affairs, 10 June 2024 The Navy’s overstretch may have also contributed to a pair of tragic accidents. —

Gil Barndollar, TIME, 12 Feb. 2024

Verb

Many jumped to the defense of mail workers, who can be overstretched. —

David Faris, Newsweek, 3 Nov. 2024 The impression the ad leaves, though, is of a campaign overstretched by the miasmic spread of its opponent’s toxicity. —

Vinson Cunningham, The New Yorker, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for overstretch