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Overdose

UK //ˈəʊvədəʊs//US //ˈoʊvərˌdoʊs//

Definition

Taking a dangerous amount of a drug or medication.

In simple words: Taking too much of a drug, causing harm.

Examples

  • He was rushed to the hospital after an opioid overdose.
  • The news reported an increase in alcohol overdose cases among teenagers.
  • It's crucial to understand the signs of a potential overdose.
  • Many treatments focus on preventing drug overdose.
  • She survived a prescription pill overdose last year.

Usage notes

Typically used in medical or drug-related contexts. Avoid using casually; it's a serious issue. Suitable in news articles, discussions on health, and legal contexts.

Grammar pattern

overdose + object

Memory hint

Think of 'over' as too much and 'dose' as a medicine dose.

Collocations

  • drug overdose
  • overdose symptoms
  • overdose incident
  • heroin overdose
  • alcohol overdose

Synonyms

  • toxic reaction
  • drug overdose
  • poisoning
  • excess
  • overindulgence

Common mistakes

  • Confusing with 'overdose' as a verb and noun.
  • Using 'overdoze' instead of 'overdose'.
  • Not recognizing the severity of the term.