overdraw
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈoʊvərˌdrɔ/
KK: /ˈoʊvərdrɔ/
intransitive verb
Definition
To take out more money from a bank account than is available, resulting in a negative balance.
Example
If you overdraw your account, you may have to pay a fee.
Tense Forms
Past: overdrew
Past Participle: overdrawn
Conversation
I checked my bank account, and I think I might overdraw it this month.
Oh no! What happened?
I just spent too much on groceries and entertainment.
Maybe you should keep a closer eye on your spending to avoid that.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
overextend
exceed
overspend
Antonyms
conserve
save
limit
transitive verb
Definition
To take more money from a bank account than is available, leading to a negative balance.
Example
She accidentally overdraw her account by spending too much money.
Tense Forms
Past: overdrew
Past Participle: overdrawn
Conversation
I think I might have overdrawn my bank account again.
Oh no! That's frustrating. How much did you go over?
Just a little, but I'm worried about the fees.
Root Explanation
Overdraw → It is formed from "over-" (meaning excessively) and "draw" (from Old English "dragan", meaning to pull or drag). The word "overdraw" means to pull or drag excessively, often referring to withdrawing more money than is available in an account.
Memory Tip
Think of 'over-' meaning excessively and 'draw' meaning to pull. This helps you remember that to overdraw means to pull out more than what is available.
Visually Confused Words
unoverdrawn