'overstep' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'oferstēpan,' where 'ofer-' meant 'over' and 'stēpan' meant 'to step.'

'oferstēpan' transformed into the Middle English word 'oversteppen,' and eventually became the modern English word 'overstep.'

Initially, it meant 'to step over something,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to exceed limits or boundaries.'