Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

overexertion

American  
[oh-ver-ig-zur-shuhn] / ˌoʊ vər ɪgˈzɜr ʃən /

noun

  1. the act of working, exercising, or exerting oneself excessively.

    The Vermont Health Department is reminding people that overexertion when shoveling snow can lead to heart attacks.

  2. the act of using or exercising something excessively.

    People took to the streets to protest systemic racism and the overexertion of power by the police.


Etymology

Origin of overexertion

over- ( def. ) + exertion ( def. )

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.

It means she can faint or have seizures triggered by overexertion or anxiety.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

That can lead to rhabdomyolysis, a severe muscle breakdown caused by overexertion that can result in kidney failure, said Francisco J. Amaro Gahete, a leading researcher focused on whole-body EMS.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

I wish I could report that the Geffen Playhouse production lives up to its delirious premise, but this spinning top of a play makes itself dizzy from overexertion.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 28, 2024

The birds suffered from capture myopathy, a symptom animals in captivity experience through overexertion that can lead to metabolic and muscle issues.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 17, 2023

“Oh, Babygirl, I’m so glad you’re all right. When they called me to say that you were recovering from something called severe post-magic overexertion, I didn’t know what to think.”

From "Amari and the Night Brothers" by B.B. Alston

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "overexertion" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com