overtax

[ oh-ver-taks ]

verb (used with object)

1. to tax too heavily.
2. to make too great demands on.

overtax

/ ˌəʊvəˈtæks /

verb

1. to tax too heavily
2. to impose too great a strain on

Other Words From

• over·tax·ation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of overtax¹

First recorded in 1640–50; over- + tax

Example Sentences

To stay comfortable and prevent overtaxing the air conditioner, you need one that’s rated for the room size.

From Popular-Science

Another billion liters of untreated sewage is then discharged into pristine surface waters when storms overtax systems and facilities, leading to water contamination.

From Popular-Science

Exceeding that number doesn’t just squish the suspension, it will also overtax essential stuff like the cooling system and transmission, potentially causing a crash, rollover, or breakdown.

From Outside Online

Experts warn the looming lack of medical professionals could make health care more expensive, less accessible and worse in quality as those remaining are asked to do more in an already overtaxed system.

From Washington Post

This means that minorities are more likely to be overtaxed because they are more likely to own low-priced homes.

From Washington Post

I have allowed him to overtax himself until he is down, and mother and Polly are north at our cottage.

From Project Gutenberg

The Cerebral, lacking a large alimentary system, is not tempted to overload his stomach or overtax his vital organs.

From Project Gutenberg

Failure comes to those who grow weary in the struggle, and to those who overwork themselves and overtax their abilities.

From Project Gutenberg

Here, having at last come into the region of settlements, they agreed never again to overtax the dogs.

From Project Gutenberg

Order is heaven’s first law, and you should not overtax mediums; for no good Spirit will answer, after their guardians say ‘done.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• annoy
• bore
• depress
• disgust
• dishearten
• dispirit
• displease
• drain
• exasperate
• fail
• fatigue
• irk
• irritate
• jade
• overwork
• wear
• worry