overextension

overextension

English

Etymology

    From over- + extension.

    Noun

    overextension (countable and uncountable, plural overextensions)

    1. The state or quality of being overextended; extension beyond normal, correct, or appropriate bounds or limits.
      • 2009 February 13, David Brooks, “The Worst-Case Scenario”, in New York Times[1]:
        Other nations sensed American overextension.
    2. (linguistics) Application of a term to too many referents, as for example when a child uses cat to refer to all animals.

    Coordinate terms