overexpose

verb

over·​ex·​pose ˌō-vər-ik-ˈspōz 

overexposed; overexposing; overexposes

transitive verb

: to expose excessively: such as

a

: to expose to excessive radiation (such as light)

overexpose film

an overexposed photograph

b

: to expose (someone, such as a celebrity) to excessive publicity especially to the extent that attraction is diminished

overexposure

ˌō-vər-ik-ˈspō-zhər 

noun

Synonyms

• hackney
• overuse
• stereotype
• vulgarize

Examples of overexpose in a Sentence

It is harmful to overexpose your skin to the sun's rays.

He has been overexposed by the media.

Recent Examples on the Web

This petulant idea almost works because actress Amy Adams, in the nameless role, benefits from no longer being overexposed. —Armond White, National Review, 13 Dec. 2024

Tucker is a free agent after next season and the team doesn’t want to overexpose Yordan Alvarez to left field. —Chandler Rome, The Athletic, 20 Aug. 2024

Consumer Edge says Goodwill and Salvation Army are positioned well to take advantage of these consumers as both brands are overexposed to these groups. —Jennifer Bringle, Sourcing Journal, 3 Sep. 2019

There’s even a nifty dryer attachment that swiftly smooths hair without overexposing it to heat; this is thanks to the Coanda effect, which tames hair without the need to press it against a heated surface, like a flat iron. —Clara McMahon, People.com, 10 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1856, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

overexpose

verb

over·​ex·​pose ˌō-və-rik-ˈspōz 

overexposed; overexposing

: to expose (as photographic material) for a longer time than is needed or desirable

overexposure

-ˈspō-zhər 

noun

Medical Definition

overexpose

transitive verb

over·​ex·​pose ˌō-və-rik-ˈspōz 

overexposed; overexposing

: to expose excessively

skin overexposed to sunlight

overexposure

-ˈspō-zhər 

noun