exceed

This word carries a strong sense of crossing a boundary or breaching a ceiling. It is frequently used in technical, legal, or financial contexts to describe a violation of a rule or a surpassing of a quota. The tone is typically neutral or clinical, focusing on the quantitative fact of going over a limit. While similar to "surpass," "exceed" often implies a limit that should not be crossed or a threshold that triggers a consequence. "Surpass" tends to be more positive, relating to achievement or quality, whereas "exceed" is the standard choice for measurements, budgets, and speed limits.