Definition of overkill
transitive verb
: to obliterate (a target) with more nuclear force than required
From the M-W Editors
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 (such 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
Recent Examples of overkill from the Web
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Yet, while the idea of a Samoa Joe-Brock Lesnar rematch might seem like overkill, rumors suggest there's another scenario that could take place.
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If the pen is mightier than the sword, the fountain pen might seem like the canon: outdated, unwieldy, and total overkill.
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That said, if your primary use-case is browsing the Web, chat/Skype, light photo editing, and the like, then this thing is likely overkill.
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The spicy bread and the chorizo might be overkill if not for the mellowing effects of the cream, lettuce and queso fresco.
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SOULWAX Three drummers slammed home the sheer overkill of Soulwax, a Belgian band with an aggressively sardonic attitude toward pop and technology.
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Robert Gibby Brand has a field day as their father Polonius, a font of pomposity whose verbal overkill cannot disguise his genuine love for his children.
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And the thing is, now onion ring overkill still may happen!
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Critics say the game's biggest stars are already tied to the traditional 5-on-5 tournament, and another Olympic basketball event is overkill.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'overkill.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of overkill
1957
OVERKILL Defined for English Language Learners
overkill
playDefinition 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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