overdraw
Americanverb (used with object)
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to draw upon (an account, allowance, etc.) in excess of the balance standing to one's credit or at one's disposal.
It was the first time he had ever overdrawn his account.
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to strain, as a bow, by drawing too far.
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to exaggerate in portraying, describing, depicting, or drawing.
The author has overdrawn the villain to the point of absurdity.
verb (used without object)
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to overdraw an account or the like.
It ruins one's credit to overdraw frequently at a bank.
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(of a stove, fireplace, etc.) to draw excessively; have too strong an updraft.
When the flue overdraws, all the heat goes right up the chimney.
verb
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to draw on (a bank account) in excess of the credit balance
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(tr) to strain or pull (a bow) too far
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(tr) to exaggerate in describing or telling
Other Word Forms
- unoverdrawn adjective
Etymology
Origin of overdraw
Middle English word dating back to 1325–75; see origin at over-, draw
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.
And financial advisers suggest having a solid buffer — meaning some extra dollars in the account so you don’t overdraw it and get charged penalties.
From MarketWatch • Jan. 27, 2026
No need to worry about spending more than you have because it usually won’t let you overdraw.
From Seattle Times • May 20, 2024
Because banks often issue multiple charges a day, it’s not uncommon to overdraw your account by $20 and end up paying $200 for it.
From New York Times • Mar. 9, 2023
We also continue to overdraw from some of our biggest water bank accounts, the aquifers under the San Joaquin Valley.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 7, 2023
“People overdraw their accounts all the time,” she said.
From "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
