overhang
UK: ˌəʊvəˈhæŋ | US: ˌoʊvərˈhæŋ
v. to project or extend beyond something else
n. a part of something that extends beyond its base or support
The word "overhang" combines "over," from Old English "ofer" (meaning "above" or "across"), and "hang," from Old English "hōn" (meaning "to suspend"). The fusion reflects the literal idea of something suspended above or protruding beyond a boundary. This construction is typical of Germanic compound formations, where spatial relationships are vividly expressed through prefix-root combinations.
The roof overhangs the sidewalk, providing shade.
Be careful—those rocks have a dangerous overhang.
The balcony overhangs the garden below.
The cliff’s overhang made climbing difficult.
The tree branches overhang the fence, dropping leaves into the neighbor’s yard.