overexpand

verb

over·​ex·​pand ˌō-vər-ik-ˈspand How to pronounce overexpand (audio)
overexpanded; overexpanding

transitive + intransitive

: to expand too much or too quickly
… one lung overexpanded and collapsed …Jack Fincher
Some tech companies overexpanded in the late '90s, so they're reluctant to make new capital investments.Michael Sivy
He bought a lighting manufacturer, … overexpanded it, and lost millions.Patricia Sellers

Word History

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overexpand was in 1851

Dictionary Entries Near overexpand

Cite this Entry

“Overexpand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overexpand. Accessed 15 Oct. 2024.

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