# overdose

/ˈoʊvɝˌdoʊs/ (US) · /ˈəʊvədˌəʊz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/overdose
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. to take too much drug

verb · CEFR B2

to take a dangerous amount of a drug or medicine.

For teachers: to ingest or administer a dose of a drug that is excessive and potentially lethal. Often used intransitively.

- He accidentally overdosed on his heart medication because he forgot he had already taken a pill.
- The patient had overdosed on a combination of prescription painkillers and alcohol, necessitating immediate intervention by the emergency response team.

### 2. to do too much of something

verb · CEFR C1 · Informal

to do or experience too much of something until you are tired of it.

For teachers: to indulge in an activity or experience to an excessive degree. Figurative use.

- I think I overdosed on chocolate cake at the party last night.
- After three weeks of visiting museums every single day, the students felt they had overdosed on Renaissance art and requested a trip to the beach.

Usage: Usually takes the preposition 'on'.

### 3. a dangerous dose

noun · CEFR B2

a dangerous or lethal amount of a drug.

For teachers: an excessive and dangerous dose of a drug or medicine.

- The hospital treated several people for a drug overdose over the weekend.
- The coroner's report confirmed that the cause of death was an accidental overdose of a powerful sedative.

## Examples

- He had to go to the hospital because he overdosed on his medication.
- Medical professionals warn that patients can accidentally overdose if they do not follow the specific timing on the label.
- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.