Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Overkill Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

💥
Add to dictionary

overkill

[ˈoʊvərkɪl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in warfare

Excessive use or treatment of something, resulting in its ineffectiveness or harm.

Synonyms

excess, overabundance, overuse.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
overkill

This word is used when describing something excessive to the point of being ridiculous or unnecessary. It often carries a negative connotation.

  • Bringing ten bodyguards to a small meeting is overkill.
  • Adding three kinds of cheese to the pizza was overkill.
overuse

This word is used to describe using something too much, often leading to wear and tear or loss of effectiveness. It carries a negative connotation.

  • Overuse of antibiotics can lead to resistance.
  • The overuse of jargon in his speech made it hard to understand.
excess

This term refers to more than what is necessary or proper. It can be used in various situations like finance, lifestyle, and behaviors, and can carry a slightly negative connotation.

  • The excess of spending led to a financial crisis.
  • He indulged in excess during the holidays.
overabundance

This word describes having too much of something, usually in a way that causes some form of negative impact or inconvenience.

  • There was an overabundance of food at the banquet.
  • The overabundance of information on the topic made it difficult to form a clear opinion.

Examples of usage

  • Using nuclear weapons against a small enemy force would be overkill.
  • The amount of security at the event seemed like overkill.
Context #2 | Noun

in general

Something that is excessively or unnecessarily large or more than what is required.

Synonyms

excessiveness, overdoing, superfluity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
overkill

Used to describe a situation where more effort or resources are used than necessary, often implying negative consequences or unnecessary actions.

  • Installing three locks on a single door is overkill
  • Bringing ten different desserts to a small dinner party might be considered overkill
excessiveness

Used to discuss general situations where there is more of something than needed, usually in a somewhat formal or neutral tone.

  • The excessiveness of his spending habits worried his friends
  • There was an excessiveness in the amount of detail provided in the report
overdoing

Commonly used when someone puts too much effort into an activity, often leading to negative outcomes. This term is often used in casual or conversational contexts.

  • She was overdoing her workout routine and ended up injuring herself
  • You're overdoing it with the decorations; a simpler setup would look better
superfluity

A more formal term used to describe something that is more than necessary or needed, often used in literature or more sophisticated discussions.

  • The superfluity of options on the menu made it difficult to choose
  • His writing style was marked by a superfluity of adjectives

Examples of usage

  • The huge cake for a small party was considered an overkill.
  • The elaborate decorations were an overkill for a simple gathering.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • In movies, 'overkill' is often used to describe action scenes where characters use excessive firepower to achieve a goal.
  • The term has been a popular title for movies and songs, highlighting themes of unnecessary aggression and excess.
  • It’s frequently referenced in video games where players can use excessive weaponry to defeat enemies.

Science

  • In ecology, 'overkill' describes human-induced extinction of large animal species due to hunting, such as mammoths and saber-toothed cats.
  • The principle of overkill applies in various scientific experiments where using too many resources can waste time and materials.
  • In psychology, the concept can relate to stress, where people may apply too much effort to solve minor problems, leading to unnecessary anxiety.

Literature

  • Authors often use 'overkill' to illustrate a character's extreme methods, enhancing dramatic tension in a story.
  • The term can symbolize conflicts in literature where a protagonist's strengths become their weaknesses due to excess.
  • In poetry, 'overkill' can represent emotions that are exaggerated, revealing deeper truths about the human experience.

Psychology

  • Overkill can occur in problem-solving, where individuals may complicate simple tasks rather than addressing them directly.
  • Research suggests that perfectionism can lead to overkill in both personal and professional settings, causing burnout.
  • Behaviorally, people may use overkill as a coping mechanism, believing they must exert maximum effort to achieve minimal tasks.

Origin of 'overkill'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'overkill' originated in military contexts during World War II, referring to excessive force that goes beyond what is necessary.
  • It combines 'over,' meaning too much, and 'kill,' relating to destruction or elimination.
  • The phrase became widespread in popular culture during the late 20th century, especially in relation to films and video games.

The term 'overkill' originated in the mid-20th century, combining 'over-' with 'kill'. It was first used in the context of warfare to describe excessive use of force leading to unnecessary destruction. Over time, the term has evolved to also refer to any situation where something is done to an excessive degree, beyond what is necessary or appropriate.

See also: kill, killdeer, killer, killing, killjoy.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,855, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.