French word

outrepasser

Pronunciation

IPA/utʁəpase/

Meaning

  • verbexceed

Example

Il ne faut pas outrepasser les limites.

You must not exceed the limits.

Illustration for outrepasser (exceed)

More examples

Son comportement a outrepassé la limite du raisonnable.

His behavior went beyond the bounds of reason.

Core concept

A hand reaching beyond an official line and acting outside its assigned scope.

Common phrases

  • outrepasser les bornes

    overstep the bounds

  • outrepasser la limite du raisonnable

    go beyond the bounds of reason

Similar words

dépasser: To go beyond a set limit or standard.
excéder: To exceed an allowed range or quantity.

Definition in French

Aller au-delà de ce qui est permis ou attendu, surtout en matière d'autorité, de compétence ou de règle.

Word origin

The verb is formed from outre and passer, a compound whose parts express the idea of passing beyond a limit.

Usage tips

  • Outrepasser has a formal administrative and legal register, while dépasser is more general for simply exceeding a limit.

Other meanings

  • overstepverb
  • go beyondverb

Opposites

  • se limiterrestrain oneselfverb

Related words

  • outrepasséoversteppingadjective

Word lists with this word