Plain English Meaning

Pushing the airplane harder than it was built to handle, so that parts of the airframe get bent, weakened, or broken.

Full Definition

Subjecting an aircraft structure to loads greater than its design limits, typically through abrupt or excessive control inputs, aggressive maneuvering, or flight in severe turbulence. Overstressing can cause permanent deformation, hidden structural damage, or in extreme cases, structural failure.

Context Anchor

Seen in flight control discussions, especially when learning why abrupt control movements or very rough air can damage an aircraft.

Derivation

From 'over' (beyond, too much) plus '' ( or applied to a structure). In engineering, 'stress' refers specifically to internal forces inside a when a load is applied — so 'overstressing' literally means the structure past what it can safely carry.