OVERBOARD Meaning and
Definition
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The term "overboard" is primarily an adverb and adjective, often used to denote actions or situations that involve going to extreme measures or exceeding the acceptable or reasonable limit. When used as an adverb, it means to go over or beyond, emphasizing an excessive or exaggerated manner. For instance, if someone says, "He went overboard in his efforts," it implies that the person went to extreme lengths or exceeded what was necessary.
As an adjective, "overboard" describes actions or behaviors that are extreme, excessive, or unreasonable. It suggests that someone has gone too far or crossed a limit or boundary. For example, if someone exclaims, "That punishment seems a bit overboard," they are implying that the punishment given is excessively severe or harsh for the situation.
The term "overboard" finds frequent usage in various contexts, such as describing over-the-top actions, excessive spending, exaggerated reactions, or extravagant behavior. It can also relate to situations in which someone disregards cautious or moderate behavior and takes risks that are beyond what is considered reasonable or safe.
In summary, "overboard" refers to actions or situations that surpass the accepted level of appearance, intensity, severity, or moderation. It suggests going to extremes or exceeding boundaries in the given context.
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Out of a ship or vessel, as to fall overboard; from on board.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for OVERBOARD *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for OVERBOARD
Etymology of OVERBOARD
The word "overboard" comes from Middle English "overbord", which is a combination of the words "over" and "board". The term can be traced back to Old English, where "over" meant "above" or "on top of" and "bord" referred to the side of a ship. The compound word "overboard" specifically described an object or person falling or being thrown from a ship and ending up beyond the side or edge of the vessel.
Idioms with the word OVERBOARD
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chuck/throw/toss sth/sb overboard
The idiom "chuck/throw/toss sth/sb overboard" means to get rid of something or someone, often hastily or ruthlessly, usually in order to solve a problem or avoid trouble. It can be used both literally, referring to throwing something or someone off a boat or ship, as well as metaphorically, referring to eliminating or disposing of someone or something quickly.
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wash sm or sth overboard
The idiom "wash something or someone overboard" typically means to accidentally remove something or someone from a ship or boat by water, usually referring to a heavy wave or turbulent sea conditions. It can also be used metaphorically to describe the sudden and forceful removal or elimination of an idea, plan, or concept.
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go overboard
To go overboard is to do or say something to an excessive or exaggerated degree. It means to go to an extreme or to go beyond what is necessary or reasonable.
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chuck overboard
To "chuck overboard" is an idiomatic expression referring to the act of intentionally disposing or getting rid of something or someone, often quickly and without much consideration or concern. It suggests discarding or eliminating something as if it were of little value or importance, similar to throwing something over the side of a boat into the water.
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throw overboard
The idiom "throw overboard" is used to describe the act of getting rid of someone or something, typically abruptly and without concern for their well-being or consequences. It implies a willingness to abandon or sacrifice a person or thing for personal gain or in order to resolve a difficult situation.
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fall overboard
The idiom "fall overboard" refers to the accidental or unexpected act of falling from a ship or boat into the water, usually implying a perilous or dangerous situation. It can also be used figuratively to describe someone or something being left behind or excluded.
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wash overboard
Similar spelling words for OVERBOARD
- overboil,
- overbalance,
- overbey,
- overby,
- overburden,
- overbold,
- overpower,
- overproud,
- overprotect,
- overproduce,
- overbid,
- overbear,
- overbay,
- overburdened,
- overbearing,
- overfond.
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