Meaning & Definition
noun
The action of falling or being thrown over the side of a boat or ship.
The overboard resulted in a dramatic rescue operation.
verb
To throw (someone or something) overboard from a ship.
He was so angry that he threatened to overboard the unwanted supplies.
adverb
Into or onto the water from a ship or boat.
During the storm, several crates fell overboard.
To an excessive degree; beyond what is reasonable.
They went overboard with the decorations for the party.
Etymology
First recorded in the 14th century, literally meaning 'over the side of the boat'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
go overboard:
to do something to an excessive degree.
throw someone overboard:
to betray or abandon someone.
jumping overboard:
to take a drastic action, often giving up or abandoning.
overboard with excitement:
excessively excited about something.
Slang Meanings
to go overboard
He went overboard on that project, putting in way too many hours.
board addiction
She’s really overboard about that new app; she's on it all day!