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
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.
Workers cannot take out their full balance for a hardship withdrawal and they cannot overdraw, so there are some guardrails.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 12, 2026
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
Even if a buy now, pay later provider doesn’t penalize you for falling behind, your bank might if you overdraw an account tied to the loan, like a debit card.
From Seattle Times • Feb. 16, 2022
Starting next month, Bank of America will do away with fees for insufficient funds, such as when a check bounces, and will stop customers from being able to overdraw their accounts at A.T.M.s.
From New York Times • Jan. 11, 2022
“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.
