overburden

American  

[oh-ver-bur-dn, oh-ver-bur-dn] / ˌoʊ vərˈbɜr dn, ˈoʊ vərˌbɜr dn /

verb (used with object)

1. to load with too great a burden; overload.

   He was overburdened with cares.

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noun

1. an excessive burden.

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

overburden British  

verb

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

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noun

1. an excessive burden or load

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

Other Word Forms

• overburdensome adjective

Etymology

Origin of overburden

First recorded in 1570–80; over- + burden ¹

Example Sentences

Mr Forsyth stressed that any law would need to work in tandem with medical professionals so as not to overburden them.

From BBC • Nov. 9, 2023

They won’t overburden him the way the Angels have, or the way many other teams would.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 13, 2023

The SPD also sought changes to ensure that replacing heating systems wouldn't overburden low-income households.

From Reuters • Jun. 13, 2023

But while Bowser said she agreed with 95 percent of the changes, she vetoed the legislation over concerns with several provisions she contended would not make the city safer and would overburden the courts.

From Washington Post • Feb. 9, 2023

“We cannot overburden our pack animals; the Princess Eilonwy and Gurgi will share our own horses.”

From "The Black Cauldron" by Lloyd Alexander

Related Words

• encumber
• oppress
• overwhelm