overkill

²over·kill

noun \ˈō-vər-ˌkil\

Definition of OVERKILL

1

: a destructive capacity greatly exceeding that required for a given target

2

: an excess of something (as a quantity or an action) beyond what is required or suitable for a particular purpose <publicity overkill> <an overkill in weaponry>

3

: killing in excess of what is intended or required

Examples of OVERKILL

1. Yes, we need a new car, but this huge truck seems like overkill.
2. <the song already borders on the maudlin—the addition of a syrupy string accompaniment would just be overkill>

First Known Use of OVERKILL

1958

Related to OVERKILL

Synonyms: bellyful, fat, overabundance, overage, overflow, excess, overmuch, overplus, oversupply, plethora, plus, redundancy, superabundance, superfluity, surfeit, surplus, surplusage

Antonyms: deficiency, deficit, insufficiency, undersupply

Related Words: abundance, bounty, plentitude, plenty, profusion, sufficiency; overproduction, overstock

Near Antonyms: dearth, lack, scarcity, want

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