Definition of overkill
transitive verb
: to obliterate (a target) with more nuclear force than required
1957
First Known Use of overkill
1957
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 in a sentence
Yes, we need a new car, but this huge truck seems like overkill.
<the song already borders on the maudlin—the addition of a syrupy string accompaniment would just be overkill>
1957
First Known Use of overkill
1957
OVERKILL Defined for English Language Learners
Definition of overkill for English Language Learners
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: something that is much larger, greater, etc., than what is needed for a particular purpose
Learn More about overkill
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See words that rhyme with overkill Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for overkill Spanish Central: Translation of overkill Nglish: Translation of overkill for Spanish speakers
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