overdose

[oh-ver-dohs, oh-ver-dohs, oh-ver-dohs]

noun

overdosed, overdosing 

1. OD.

overdose

noun

1. (esp of drugs) an excessive dose

verb

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

Other Word Forms

• overdosage noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of overdose¹

First recorded in 1680–90; over- + dose

Example Sentences

NHS Scotland has also increased the use of Naloxone, a drug that can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.

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Two years ago, Angus Cloud, who played drug dealer Fezco, died of an accidental drug overdose.

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There were Keith and Billy, named after two Johnson brothers who had died within weeks of each other in 1975, one from a drug overdose, the other in a high-speed motorbike crash.

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Dozens of other former clients and families who lost loved ones to overdoses at Young’s facilities have filed claims against Young and his partners in recent months.

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At worst, they carry risks of addiction, toxicity and overdose.

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Related Words

• exuberance 
• glut 
• overkill 
• surplus 
• waste