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Showing results for overdose. Search instead for overdoses.
Synonyms

overdose

American  
[oh-ver-dohs, oh-ver-dohs, oh-ver-dohs] / ˈoʊ vərˌdoʊs, ˈoʊ vərˌdoʊs, ˌoʊ vərˈdoʊs /

noun

overdosed, overdosing
  1. OD.


overdose British  

noun

  1. (esp of drugs) an excessive dose

"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

verb

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

"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

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of overdose

First recorded in 1680–90; over- + dose

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Declines in overdose fatalities have also contributed to a record high for life expectancy in the U.S., the federal government reported earlier this year.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 13, 2026

But investigations found he had been accidentally poisoned with an overdose of vitamin D that had been prescribed for growing pains.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

Evidence came from individual patient case reports and animal studies, particularly in severe overdose cases.

From Science Daily • Jan. 18, 2026

Adichie's sister-in-law, Dr Anthea Esege Nwandu, a physician and professor with decades of experience, said she had been told the boy had been administered an overdose of propofol, to sedate him to conduct MRI tests.

From Barron's • Jan. 14, 2026

When pickled and eaten, these Murtlap growths promote resistance to curses and jinxes, though an overdose may cause unsightly purple ear hair.

From "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" by J.K. Rowling

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