overmatch - Wiktionary, the free dictionary

From Wiktionary, the free dictionary

From Middle English overmacchen, equivalent to over- +‎ match.

• (verb) IPA^(key): /ˌəʊvə(ɹ)ˈmætʃ/
• (noun) IPA^(key): /ˈəʊvə(ɹ)ˌmætʃ/

overmatch (third-person singular simple present overmatches, present participle overmatching, simple past and past participle overmatched)

1. (transitive, intransitive) To match more than intended.

   The regular expression overmatched, capturing the entire paragraph instead of the specific sentence.

2. To be more than equal to or a match for, to surpass; hence, to conquer, vanquish.

   • c. 1587–1588, [Christopher Marlowe], Tamburlaine the Great. […] The First Part […], 2nd edition, part 1, London: […] [R. Robinson for] Richard Iones, […], published 1592, →OCLC; reprinted as Tamburlaine the Great (A Scolar Press Facsimile), Menston, Yorkshire, London: Scolar Press, 1973, →ISBN, Act II, scene i:

     And wel his merits ſhew him to be made
     His Fortunes maiſter, and the king of men.
     That could perſwade at ſuch a ſodaine pinch,
     With reaſons of his valour and his life,
     A thouſand ſworne and ouer-matching foes:
3. To marry to a superior.

• overmatched

overmatch (plural overmatches)

1. A match in which one opponent is greatly superior to the other.
2. An opponent who is more than a match for another; one who cannot be defeated.

• undermatch