outstrip

verb out·strip \ˌau̇t-ˈstrip\

: to be or become better, greater, or larger than (someone or something)

: to do better than (someone or something)

: to go faster than (someone or something)

Full Definition of OUTSTRIP

transitive verb

: to go faster or farther than

: to get ahead of <has civilization outstripped the ability of its users to use it? — Margaret Mead>

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Origin of OUTSTRIP

out- + obsolete strip to move fast

First Known Use: 1580

Related to OUTSTRIP

Synonyms: beat, better, eclipse, exceed, excel, outclass, outdistance, outdo, outgun, outmatch, outshine, surpass, overtop, top, tower (over), transcend

Synonym Discussion of OUTSTRIP

exceed, surpass, transcend, excel, outdo, outstrip mean to go or be beyond a stated or implied limit, measure, or degree. exceed implies going beyond a limit set by authority or established by custom or by prior achievement <exceed the speed limit>. surpass suggests superiority in quality, merit, or skill <the book surpassed our expectations>. transcend implies a rising or extending notably above or beyond ordinary limits <transcended the values of their culture>. excel implies preeminence in achievement or quality and may suggest superiority to all others <excels in mathematics>. outdo applies to a bettering or exceeding what has been done before <outdid herself this time>. outstrip suggests surpassing in a race or competition <outstripped other firms in sales>.