overdo

[ oh-ver-doo ]

verb (used with object)

, o·ver·did, o·ver·done, o·ver·do·ing.

1. to do to excess; overindulge in:

   to overdo dieting.

2. to carry to excess or beyond the proper limit:

   He puts on so much charm that he overdoes it.

3. to overact (a part); exaggerate.
4. to overtax the strength of; fatigue; exhaust.
5. to cook too much or too long; overcook:

   Don't overdo the hamburgers.

verb (used without object)

, o·ver·did, o·ver·done, o·ver·do·ing.

1. to do too much; go to an extreme:

   Exercise is good but you mustn't overdo.

overdo

/ ˌəʊvəˈduː /

verb

1. to take or carry too far; do to excess
2. to exaggerate, overelaborate, or overplay
3. to cook or bake too long
4. overdo it or overdo things
   to overtax one's strength, capacity, etc

Other Words From

• over·doer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of overdo¹

before 1000; Middle English overdon, Old English oferdōn. See over-, do ¹

Example Sentences

She also said she thought the government "overdid it in terms of the length of lockdown".

From BBC

Carse was lively, asked to bowl bouncers as early as the 15th over of the day, a plan that England overdid.

From BBC

Everyone only has one lap so you don’t want to overdo it.

From BBC

Whatever the heck he was taking — and I don't know if he was overdoing it necessarily, but I just think it makes a more complete story.

From Salon

Maybe you think I’m overdoing it, and maybe I am.

From Salon

Related Words

• exaggerate
• overestimate
• overplay
• overrate
• overreach
• overstate
• overuse
• overvalue