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overkill

The correct spelling is overkill.

How to pronounce overkill

noun

Say it like: Ove-rki-ll

The correct spelling is overkill. A destructive capacity that exceeds that needed to destroy an enemy; especially with nuclear weapons. For example: "24 hours of TV coverage of the US election verged on overkill."

Usage Examples

24 hours of TV coverage of the US election verged on overkill.

Meanings

noun

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

verb

  1. 1.To destroy something with more (nuclear) force than is required.
  2. 2.To dispose of too many items because of too high criteria of inspection.
  3. 3.To do something excessive to achieve a goal.

Similar words

Words related in meaning — check their spelling too.

View synonyms & usage examples