overkill

English

/ˈəʊvəˌkɪl/, /ˈoʊvɚˌkɪl/, /ˌəʊvəˈkɪl/, /ˌoʊvɚˈkɪl/

noun
Definitions
  • (literally) A destructive capacity that exceeds that needed to destroy an enemy; especially with nuclear weapons.
  • (by extension) An unnecessary excess of whatever is needed to achieve a goal.
  • (manufacturing) An unnecessary excess of disposal because of too high criteria of inspection.

Etymology

Prefix from English kill.

Origin

English

kill

Gloss

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms