Overkill

Pronunciation: /oʊvərkɪl/

Definitions of overkill

noun excessive use, treatment, or action beyond what is necessary or appropriate

Example Sentences

A1 Using too much salt in the soup was overkill.

A2 The decorations at the party were a bit of an overkill.

B1 The security measures for the event seemed like overkill.

B2 The amount of makeup she wore was total overkill for a casual dinner.

C1 The company's response to the minor issue was considered by many as overkill.

C2 The military's use of force was deemed as overkill by international observers.

Examples of overkill in a Sentence

formal The excessive use of force by the police was considered overkill by many observers.

informal Buying a new car just for a short commute seems like overkill to me.

slang Dude, wearing a tuxedo to a casual party is total overkill.

figurative His constant need for attention is like emotional overkill for me.

Grammatical Forms of overkill

• past tense: overkilled
• plural: overkills
• comparative: more overkill
• superlative: most overkill
• present tense: overkills
• future tense: will overkill
• perfect tense: have overkilled
• continuous tense: is overkilling
• singular: overkill
• positive degree: overkill
• infinitive: to overkill
• gerund: overkilling
• participle: overkilled

Origin and Evolution of overkill

First Known Use: 1946 year

Language of Origin: English

Story behind the word: The word 'overkill' originated in military jargon to describe the excessive use of force or weaponry beyond what is necessary to achieve a desired outcome.

Evolution of the word: Over time, 'overkill' has expanded beyond military contexts to describe any situation where excessive force or resources are used, often leading to unnecessary or disproportionate outcomes.