overdose

[ noun oh-ver-dohs; verb oh-ver-dohs, oh-ver-dohs ]

noun

, o·ver·dosed, o·ver·dos·ing.

1. OD.

overdose

noun

1. (esp of drugs) an excessive dose

verb

1. to take an excessive dose or give an excessive dose to

Derived Forms

• ˌoverˈdosage, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of overdose¹

First recorded in 1680–90; over- + dose

Example Sentences

“Follow the pills and you’ll find the overdose deaths,” Eric Eyre’s two-part investigation begins.

From Washington Post

The preliminary data found that more than 81,000 people died of an overdose in the 12-month period that ended this May—the largest number ever recorded.

From Popular-Science

Before lawmakers’ questions, the panel aired video remarks by parents whose children died of overdoses.

From Washington Post

A 2018 study published in the journal Science found that overdose death rates have increased exponentially and “along a remarkably smooth trajectory” in the past 40 years.

From Popular-Science

For some, the virtual meetings are a lifeline that has helped them maintain their sobriety during a time when mental health issues, alcohol consumption and overdoses are on the rise.

From Washington Post

That star would all too famously implode with her tragic death from a heroin overdose at a mere 27 years of age.

From The Daily Beast

In 1978, Scott Newman, his 28-year-old son, died of an accidental drug and alcohol overdose.

From The Daily Beast

Heroin overdose deaths from 2010 to 2012 increased in every single subgroup examined in the CDC report.

From The Daily Beast

Deaths from both make up 57 percent of total drug overdose deaths.

From The Daily Beast

Those suffering from addiction in the streets risk disease, overdose, and death.

From The Daily Beast

Sickness,—not her own, but that of dear ones, and an overdose of wealth.

From Project Gutenberg

Verdict was "That the deceased died from inadvertently taking an overdose of opium."

From Project Gutenberg

An overdose of "cold step" may, indeed, partially account for the bronchitis which riddles the ranks of the children of the poor.

From Project Gutenberg

(b) Failure of respiration from an overdose of chloroform or other ansthetic.

From Project Gutenberg

Too much freedom at one time is as bad as an overdose of anything else.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• gratify
• indulge
• nauseate
• sate
• slake