overreach

over·reach

verb \ˌō-və(r)-ˈrēch\

Definition of OVERREACH

transitive verb

1

: to reach above or beyond : overtop

2

: to defeat (oneself) by seeking to do or gain too much

3

: to get the better of especially in dealing and bargaining and typically by unscrupulous or crafty methods

intransitive verb

1

of a horse : to strike the forefoot with the front part of the hind foot

2

a : to go to excess b : exaggerate

3

: to overreach oneself

— over·reach \ˈō-və(r)-ˌrēch, ˌō-və(r)-ˈ\ noun

— over·reach·er \-ˌrē-chər, -ˈrē-chər\ noun

Examples of OVERREACH

1. She overreaches in her latest book, and her argument is not convincing.
2. The company overreached itself and ran out of money after one year.

First Known Use of OVERREACH

14th century

Related to OVERREACH

Synonyms: fox, outfox, outmaneuver, outslick, outsmart, outthink, outwit

Related Words: outguess, second-guess; baffle, balk, circumvent, foil, frustrate, thwart; cozen, deceive, dupe, fool, gull, trick; conquer, defeat, lick, overcome; bar, block, hinder, impede, obstruct

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Rhymes with OVERREACH

copper beech, Newport Beach, practice-teach