overshoot

over- +‎ shoot

• (noun) (US) IPA^(key): /ˈoʊ.vɚˌshut/
• (verb) (US) IPA^(key): /ˌoʊ.vɚˈshut/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

• Rhymes: -uːt

overshoot (plural overshoots)

1. (uncountable) The amount by which something goes too far.

   Let's see if we can predict and correct for the overshoot.

2. (countable, ecology) When the population of a species exceeds its environment's carrying capacity.

overshoot (third-person singular simple present overshoots, present participle overshooting, simple past and past participle overshot)

1. To go past something; to go too far.

   When you drive, you must remember to not overshoot the parking space and end up with two wheels over the line.

2. To shoot beyond; to shoot too far to hit something.
   • South

     not to overshoot his game

3. To pass swiftly over; to fly beyond.

   (Can we find and add a quotation of Hartle to this entry?)

4. (figuratively) To exceed.

   to overshoot the truth

   (Can we find and add a quotation of Cowper to this entry?)

5. (reflexive) To venture too far; to overreach (oneself).