overdose
B2Formal, Medical, Journalistic, Informal (in extended use)
Definition
Meaning
A dangerously excessive dose of a drug or medication.
An excessive amount of something, often to the point of being harmful or overwhelming.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily associated with drugs/medicine, but can be metaphorically extended to other domains (e.g., information, sentiment). Implies danger, harm, or negative consequences from excess.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning or usage. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Identical strong negative connotations related to drug abuse and poisoning.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both varieties due to global public health focus on the opioid crisis.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
to overdose on [drug/substance]to take/have/suffer an overdoseto die from/of an overdoseVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[metaphorical] an overdose of sentimentality/sunshine/information”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in pharmaceutical/healthcare business contexts discussing risks.
Academic
Common in medical, public health, sociology, and psychology research.
Everyday
Common in news reports and discussions about drug abuse.
Technical
Precise medical term for ingestion of a substance in quantities greater than recommended or safe.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He was hospitalised after overdosing on paracetamol.
- The report warns that users could easily overdose if not careful.
American English
- She overdosed on fentanyl-laced heroin.
- The character in the film overdoses on prescription pills.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Taking too many pills can cause an overdose.
- He died from a drug overdose last year.
- The doctor said it was an accidental overdose.
- The government launched a campaign to reduce overdose deaths.
- She nearly overdosed on a combination of alcohol and medication.
- The novel's sentimental finale struck many critics as an emotional overdose.
- Naloxone is a critical tool for reversing an opioid overdose.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of OVER (too much) + DOSE (a measured amount of medicine). Too much of a dose.
Conceptual Metaphor
EXCESS IS POISON / TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING IS BAD.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque 'сверхдоза'. Use 'передозировка' for the noun. For the verb, use 'принять передозировку' or 'получить передозировку', not a direct verb translation of 'overdose'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'overdose' as a verb without 'on' (e.g., 'He overdosed heroin' is incorrect; correct: 'He overdosed on heroin').
- Confusing 'overdose' (specific, dangerous excess) with 'overdraft' (financial term).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'overdose' used metaphorically?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It can refer to any substance, including prescription medication, alcohol, or even over-the-counter drugs, when taken in excessive amounts.
Yes. The verb form is common and is followed by the preposition 'on' (e.g., 'overdose on morphine').
'Overdose' specifically implies an excessive dose of a substance, often one that could be therapeutic in smaller amounts. 'Poisoning' is broader and can involve any toxic substance, regardless of the amount.
No. 'OD' is informal slang. Use 'overdose' in formal, medical, or journalistic contexts.
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