overstep

[ oh-ver-step ]

verb (used with object)

, o·ver·stepped, o·ver·step·ping.

1. to go beyond; exceed:

   to overstep one's authority.

overstep

/ ˌəʊvəˈstɛp /

verb

1. tr to go beyond (a certain or proper limit)

Word History and Origins

Origin of overstep¹

before 1000; Middle English oversteppen, Old English ofersteppan. See over-, step

Example Sentences

"I always wanted to respect that and not overstep any boundaries. Which I think she was in that way, just like her character on TV."

From BBC

Oliver and the other doctors are fallible, be it freezing up during a spinal tap or completely overstepping into their patients’ personal lives to facilitate a father-daughter reunion.

From Los Angeles Times

It led to questions for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer over whether he was overstepping a line in terms of devolution.

From BBC

He added that his wife "knows she overstepped the mark and there's consequences for it, so hopefully she will be able to learn from it and move on with her life".

From BBC

A coalition of 11 Republican state attorneys sued, alleging Biden had again overstepped his authority.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• meddle
• violate