Overpurchase

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. Acquiring a quantity of goods or items that exceeds actual requirements
2. Purchasing an excess amount beyond what is necessary or intended
3. Obtaining more products or supplies than are actually needed or wanted

Etymology: "Overpurchase" is a plain English compound: the prefix "over-", meaning "too much" or "beyond what is needed," attached to "purchase," which comes from Anglo-Norman "purchacer," meaning to pursue or acquire, ultimately from Latin roots meaning "to chase forward." The prefix "over-" is one of the oldest and most productive in English, which is why speakers can coin verbs like this one on the spot. Each part keeps its ordinary sense: to overpurchase is to buy more than one actually needs or wants.

Synonyms: overbuy, excessive buying