Overstep: meaning, definitions and examples

⚠️
Add to dictionary

overstep

 

[ ˌoʊvərˈstɛp ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

behavior

To exceed the limits of what is considered acceptable or appropriate.

Synonyms

exceed, transcend, violate

Examples of usage

  • She overstepped the boundaries of common courtesy by asking personal questions.
  • The new manager quickly overstepped his authority by making major decisions without consulting his team members.
Context #2 | Verb

law

To go beyond or exceed (a limit or boundary), especially in a legal context.

Synonyms

exceed, trespass, violate

Examples of usage

  • The company was accused of overstepping environmental regulations by releasing toxic waste into the river.
  • The court ruled that the police had overstepped their powers by conducting an illegal search.

Translations

Translations of the word "overstep" in other languages:

🇵🇹 exceder

🇮🇳 अतिक्रमण करना

🇩🇪 überschreiten

🇮🇩 melampaui

🇺🇦 перевищувати

🇵🇱 przekroczyć

🇯🇵 超える

🇫🇷 dépasser

🇪🇸 exceder

🇹🇷 aşmak

🇰🇷 넘어서다

🇸🇦 تجاوز

🇨🇿 překročit

🇸🇰 prekročiť

🇨🇳 超越

🇸🇮 preseči

🇮🇸 fara yfir

🇰🇿 асып кету

🇬🇪 გადაჭარბება

🇦🇿 aşmaq

🇲🇽 exceder

Etymology

The word 'overstep' originated from Middle English 'oversteppen', which is a combination of 'over' and 'step'. It first appeared in the 14th century. The concept of going beyond a boundary or limit has been a part of human behavior for centuries, leading to the creation of this word to describe such actions.

See also: misstep, missteps, sidestep, step, steppe, stepping, steps.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,213 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.