outreach

[ verb out-reech; noun adjective out-reech ]

verb (used with object)

1. to reach beyond; exceed:

   The demand has outreached our supply.

2. Archaic. to reach out; extend.

verb (used without object)

1. to reach out.

noun

1. an act or instance of reaching out.
2. length or extent of reach.
3. the act of extending services, benefits, etc., to a wider section of the population, as in community work.

adjective

1. concerned with extending community services, benefits, etc.:

   an educational outreach program.

outreach

verb

1. tr to surpass in reach
2. tr to go beyond
3. to reach or cause to reach out

noun

1. the act or process of reaching out
2. the length or extent of reach
3. social welfare any systematic effort to provide unsolicited and predefined help to groups or individuals deemed to need it
4. modifier (of welfare work or workers) propagating take-up of a service by seeking out appropriate people and persuading them to accept what is judged good for them Compare detached

Word History and Origins

Origin of outreach¹

First recorded in 1560–70; out- + reach

Example Sentences

While the programs are intended for the entire Palm Springs community, the city said it would target outreach to Section 14 families.

From Los Angeles Times

So far, Hoover’s outreach has not extended to NOlympics LA, an opposition group that describes LA28 as a “black box” operating outside public view.

From Los Angeles Times

“There’s been outreach to Republican governors,” Pritzker said.

From Salon

The first is a verbal reminder to the student, followed by a “referral to a counselor” and then outreach to a parent or guardian.

From Los Angeles Times

Even Rola Makki, a Lebanese-American Republican and vice chair of outreach for the Michigan Republican Party, is greeting her preferred candidate’s victory with mixed feelings.

From Slate

Related Words

• eclipse
• outpace
• outstrip
• top