overkill
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈoʊvərˌkɪl/
KK: /ˈoʊvərˌkɪl/
noun
Definition
An excessive amount of something that is more than what is needed or appropriate for a specific purpose.
Example
The company's response to the minor issue was considered overkill by many employees.
Conversation
Did you see the new safety measures they implemented at work?
Yeah, it's a bit much — I think it's kind of overkill for our office.
Exactly! I mean, we just need basic precautions, not everything they suggested.
Right? Sometimes simpler is better than going for total overkill.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
excess
overabundance
surplus
Antonyms
deficiency
insufficiency
shortage
transitive verb
Definition
To use excessive force or resources to achieve a goal, often resulting in unnecessary destruction or effort.
Example
The military's plan to bomb the area was seen as overkill, as they used far more explosives than needed.
Tense Forms
Past: overkilled
Past Participle: overkilled
Conversation
Did you hear about that new video game?
Yeah, I heard it has some crazy graphics!
I just hope they don’t go for overkill with the special effects.
Root Explanation
Overkill is formed from "over-" (meaning excessively) and "kill" (from Old English "cylan", meaning to cause to die). The term describes an excessive or unnecessary level of force or action that results in destruction or death.
Memory Tip
Think of doing something 'excessively' ('over-') to the point of causing death ('kill'). This helps you remember that 'overkill' means going too far in an action.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.