Definition

Excessive or unnecessary treatment, especially in a medical context, that may not be needed for a patient's condition.

Example

The doctor warned that overtreatment can lead to more health problems than it solves.

Conversation

I read an article about overtreatment in medicine yesterday.

Oh really? What did it say?

It mentioned how sometimes people get more treatment than they actually need, which can be harmful.

That makes sense; too much of anything isn't good for you.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Overtreatment → It is formed from "over-" (meaning excessively) and "treat" (from Old French *traiter*, meaning to handle or deal with). The word refers to the act of handling or dealing with a condition excessively or more than necessary.

Memory Tip

Think of 'over-' meaning excessively, and 'treat' meaning to handle a condition. This helps you remember that overtreatment means handling a condition too much.

Visually Confused Words