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

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

From BBC

“There are so many activities you can partake in around town and on campus that is not partying ... It is literally heaven on earth for an 18-21 year old as long as you don’t overdo it.”

From Los Angeles Times

Says Eisenberg: “It did require kind of getting away from the sensor in my head that tells me I’m overacting. You have to kind of overdo things in order to have them be conveyed. Even things that appear on screen as very subtle — when you’re inside the suit, they feel quite broad.”

From Los Angeles Times

“I think I used to overdo the cries in my voice,” she said, before replicating her old style: “‘Lo de lo de lo de’ — it’s too much.

From Salon

“I think I used to overdo the cries in my voice,” she said, mocking her previous vocals.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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