ENGLISH
REFERENCE

overdose

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈoʊvɝˌdoʊs// UK //ˈəʊvədˌəʊz// over·dose

v. to take too much of a drug or medicine at one time. This can be very dangerous and often requires a doctor's help.

v. to ingest or administer an excessive and potentially lethal dose of a drug or medication. Often used intransitively with the preposition 'on' to specify the substance.


SIMPLE

He had to go to the hospital because he overdosed on his medication.

CONTEXTUAL

Medical professionals warn that patients can accidentally overdose if they do not follow the specific timing on the label.

COMPLEX

The documentary explores the tragic consequences when individuals overdose on synthetic opioids, highlighting the urgent need for better public health interventions and accessible treatment centers.

Origin

From over- + dose.

Usage

Commonly used intransitively with 'on' followed by the substance, or transitively when referring to the person receiving the dose.

Pitfall

he overdosed his medicinehe overdosed on his medicineWhen the object is the drug itself, the verb is usually intransitive and requires the preposition 'on'.

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