noun
Uncommon
overdose
OH-vuh-dohs
Overdose (noun) means a dangerously excessive dose of a drug or medicine. Example: “Paramedics arrived within minutes of the reported overdose.”
noun
1
A dangerously excessive dose of a drug or medicine.
"to die of a heroin overdose"
"Paramedics arrived within minutes of the reported overdose."
verb
1
To take or give too much of a drug.
"He accidentally overdosed on his prescription medication."
How to use overdose
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTaking (or giving) far more of a drug than is safe.
Common pairings
drug overdose
overdose on
accidental overdose
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Word forms
- Plural
- overdoses
- Third person singular
- overdoses
- Past tense
- overdosed
Fill the gap
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Paramedics arrived within minutes of the reported _____.
Etymology
From over- + dose.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for overdose
See all rhymes for overdose →Frequently asked questions
What does “overdose” mean?
The word “overdose” means a dangerously excessive dose of a drug or medicine. In plain terms, taking (or giving) far more of a drug than is safe.
How do you pronounce “overdose”?
“Overdose” is pronounced OH-vuh-dohs (/ˈəʊvə(ɹ)ˌdəʊs/ in IPA).
How do you use “overdose” in a sentence?
Here is “overdose” used in a sentence: “Paramedics arrived within minutes of the reported overdose.”
What part of speech is “overdose”?
Depending on how it is used, “overdose” can be a noun and a verb.
Is “overdose” a common word?
“Overdose” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “overdose” have?
“Overdose” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a dangerously excessive dose of a drug or medicine.
What is the difference between an overdose and a normal dose?
An overdose is a dangerously excessive dose of a drug or medicine, going beyond the safe or prescribed amount, unlike a normal dose.
Does overdose only apply to drugs and medicine?
As defined, overdose refers specifically to taking or giving too much of a drug or medicine.
Is an overdose always intentional?
The definition does not specify intent, so an overdose can happen either accidentally or intentionally when someone takes or is given too much of a drug.
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