overkill

UK: /ˈəʊvə^rkɪl/ US: /ˈoʊvɚˌkɪl/ ,(ō′vər kil′)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

o•ver•kill /ˈoʊvɚˌkɪl/   n. [uncountable]

1. the ability of a nation to destroy by nuclear weapons more of an enemy than would be necessary for a victory.
2. an instance in which there is too much of what is required or suitable:
   publicity overkill.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

o•ver•kill  (ō′vər kil′), n. 

1. the capacity of a nation to destroy, by nuclear weapons, more of an enemy than would be necessary for a military victory.
2. an instance of such destruction.
3. an excess of what is required or suitable, as because of zeal or misjudgment.

• over- + kill¹ 1945–50, American.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

overkill / ˈəʊvəˌkɪl/ noun

1. the capability to deploy more weapons, esp nuclear weapons, than is necessary to ensure military advantage
2. any capacity or treatment that is greater than that required or appropriate