overburden

[ verb oh-ver-bur-dn; noun oh-ver-bur-dn ]

/ verb ˌoʊ vərˈbɜr dn; noun ˈoʊ vərˌbɜr dn /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR overburden ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object)

to load with too great a burden; overload: He was overburdened with cares.

noun

an excessive burden.

Also called burden, capping. Mining. waste earth and rock covering a mineral deposit.

RELATED WORDS

overwhelm, encumber, oppress, exhaust

Nearby words

overbought, overbrake, overbreak, overbudget, overbuild, overburden, overburdened, overburdensome, overbuy, overcall, overcame

Origin of overburden

First recorded in 1570–80; over- + burden¹

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for overburden

If the students are willing to work we do not want to overburden them, Mr. Haskers.
Dave Porter and the Runaways|Edward Stratemeyer
Every shilling with which they overburden the inferior number, is a shilling saved to their own pockets.
The Federalist Papers|Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison
Naturally Mr. Fisher must not overburden or imperil his bill, or interfere with the labor necessary for the war.
Our Schools in War Time—and After|Arthur Davis Dean
He was afraid to overburden the mind of Corny, and he said nothing more.
Within The Enemy's Lines|Oliver Optic

"Do not overburden me," she answers, but in so low a voice that it can scarce be heard.
Rossmoyne|Unknown

British Dictionary definitions for overburden

overburden

verb (ˌəʊvəˈbɜːdən)

(tr) to load with excessive weight, work, etc

noun (ˈəʊvəˌbɜːdən)

an excessive burden or load

geology the sedimentary rock material that covers coal seams, mineral veins, etc

Derived Forms

overburdensome, adjective

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012