overdose
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈoʊvərˌdoʊs/
KK: /ˈoʊvərˌdoʊs/
intransitive verb
Definition
To take too much of a drug or substance, which can be harmful or dangerous.
Example
He decided to overdose on painkillers, which led to serious health issues.
Tense Forms
Past: overdosed
Past Participle: overdosed
Conversation
I heard someone at school had an overdose last weekend.
Really? That's so concerning!
Yeah, it's scary how easily it can happen.
I know, we have to be careful and look out for each other.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
exceed
overshoot
overindulge
Antonyms
underuse
restrain
moderate
noun
Definition
A situation where someone takes too much of a drug or medicine, which can be harmful or even fatal.
Example
He was rushed to the hospital after an overdose of painkillers.
Conversation
Did you hear about that news story regarding the overdose last week?
Yeah, it was really shocking how common it’s becoming.
I know, it makes you think about the importance of awareness.
transitive verb
Definition
To give someone or something too much of a drug or medicine, which can be harmful or dangerous.
Example
He accidentally overdosed on painkillers and had to go to the hospital.
Tense Forms
Past: overdosed
Past Participle: overdosed
Conversation
Did you hear about the new medication they released?
Yeah, I heard some people overdose on it accidentally.
That's really concerning; I wonder how it happened.
Root Explanation
Overdose → It is formed from "over-" (meaning excessively) and "dose" (from Latin "dosis", meaning a given quantity of medicine). The word refers to taking an excessive quantity of a substance, particularly a drug or medicine.
Memory Tip
Think of 'over-' meaning excessively, and 'dose' referring to a quantity of medicine. This helps you remember that an overdose means taking too much of a substance.
Visually Confused Words
verbose
operose
obverse