Overreach: meaning, definitions and examples
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overreach
[ ˌoʊvərˈriːtʃ ]
general use
To overreach means to go beyond the limits of one's abilities or resources. It often implies an excessive ambition or trying to achieve more than is reasonable or achievable.
Synonyms
overexert, overextend, overshoot.
Examples of usage
- He tends to overreach in his business ambitions.
- The team's strategy might overreach their actual capabilities.
- Don't overreach your authority in this matter.
politics/law
Overreach in a political or legal context refers to the act of a government or authority exceeding its limits or powers. It often suggests an abuse of authority or a failure to respect established boundaries.
Synonyms
abuse of power, excess, overextension.
Examples of usage
- The court ruled that the policy was an overreach of executive power.
- Many citizens protested against what they saw as government overreach.
- The legislation faced criticism for its overreach into private lives.
Translations
Translations of the word "overreach" in other languages:
🇵🇹 ultrapassar
🇮🇳 अधिक पहुंचना
🇩🇪 übertreffen
🇮🇩 melampaui
🇺🇦 перевищувати
🇵🇱 przekraczać
🇯🇵 越える
🇫🇷 dépasser
🇪🇸 exceder
🇹🇷 aşmak
🇰🇷 초과하다
🇸🇦 يتجاوز
🇨🇿 překročit
🇸🇰 prekročiť
🇨🇳 超越
🇸🇮 preseči
🇮🇸 fara yfir
🇰🇿 асып кету
🇬🇪 დამატებითი მიღწევა
🇦🇿 aşmaq
🇲🇽 exceder
Etymology
The term 'overreach' originates from the combination of 'over' and 'reach.' The prefix 'over-' denotes excessiveness or beyond a normal limit, while 'reach' comes from Old English 'rīce,' meaning to extend or stretch out. The use of 'overreach' in English dates back to the late 15th century and has evolved to encompass various contexts, particularly in legal and political discourse where authority is tested. Historically, overreach has been a contentious issue in governance, with many political movements emerging in response to perceived overreach by those in power. The notion of overreach resonates across different cultures and eras, as individuals and groups continuously navigate the delicate balance between freedom and regulation.