overburden

[ verb oh-ver-bur-dn; noun oh-ver-bur-dn ]

verb (used with object)

1. to load with too great a burden; overload:

   He was overburdened with cares.

noun

1. an excessive burden.
2. Also called burden, capping. Mining. waste earth and rock covering a mineral deposit.

overburden

verb

1. tr to load with excessive weight, work, etc

noun

1. an excessive burden or load
2. geology the sedimentary rock material that covers coal seams, mineral veins, etc

Derived Forms

• ˌoverˈburdensome, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of overburden¹

First recorded in 1570–80; over- + burden ¹

Example Sentences

The last thing the Dodgers probably want to do just two weeks before their season-opening series against the San Diego Padres in Seoul is overburden Yamamoto’s mind with concerns about pitch tipping or make any alterations to his delivery that might negatively impact his stuff.

From Los Angeles Times

“These cuts … overburden the sector.”

From Seattle Times

Mr Forsyth stressed that any law would need to work in tandem with medical professionals so as not to overburden them.

From BBC

Even so, to overburden a few food metaphors, there are a lot of flavors at play in Healy’s poignant, surreal family drama.

From Seattle Times

They won’t overburden him the way the Angels have, or the way many other teams would.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• encumber
• oppress
• overwhelm