hyperextend

verb

hy·​per·​ex·​tend ˌhī-pər-ik-ˈstend How to pronounce hyperextend (audio)
hyperextended; hyperextending; hyperextends

transitive verb

: to extend so that the angle between bones of a joint is greater than normal
a hyperextended elbow
also : to extend (something, such as a body part) beyond the normal range of motion
hyperextended her neck
hyperextension noun

Examples of hyperextend in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web When Fouts hyperextended her left leg on May 11 against Arkansas, social media was flooded with thoughts and prayers. Nick Alvarez | Nalvarez@al.com, al, 29 May 2023 Do not hyperextend the torso when pulling the shin vertically. Milo F. Bryant, Men's Health, 29 Dec. 2022 He was tackled by Idaho State safety Quantraill Morris-Walker after a 10-yard gain and appeared to hyperextend his left elbow while bracing his fall. San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Sep. 2022 Without this braking action, your knee would hyperextend at the end of each stride. Jason Fitzgerald, Outside Online, 7 Oct. 2019 The Gluteus Maximus must be strong to extend and hyperextend the hip joint. Jon-Erik Kawamoto, Outside Online, 7 July 2020 Giannis Antetokounmpo really did hyperextend his left knee just two weeks ago in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Atlanta Hawks. Duane Rankin, The Arizona Republic, 13 July 2021 The two-time NBA MVP was forced off after appearing to hyperextend his left knee following an awkward landing in the third quarter of the game. Ben Church, CNN, 30 June 2021 Some people can naturally hyperextend more than others, but many end up tearing internal structures. Grace McDermott, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 30 June 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hyperextend.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hyperextend was in 1883

Dictionary Entries Near hyperextend

Cite this Entry

“Hyperextend.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hyperextend. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.

Medical Definition

hyperextend

transitive verb
hy·​per·​ex·​tend ˌhī-pə-rik-ˈstend How to pronounce hyperextend (audio)
: to extend so that the angle between bones of a joint is greater than normal
a hyperextended elbow
also : to extend (as a body part) beyond the normal range of motion
hyperextension noun
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!