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

One area where the administration may not push for major change is the overburdened Colorado River, a water source that has been dwindling during the last 25 years amid persistent drought worsened by global warming.

From Los Angeles Times

The coalition warned, however, that doing so could “further marginalize high-risk populations and divert resources from struggling facilities while simultaneously overburdening higher-level facilities.”

From Los Angeles Times

Gascón’s approach followed years of attempts by state legislators to reduce California’s overburdened prison population.

From Los Angeles Times

Hezbollah officials told him he would have to wait because crews were already overburdened due to “the situation.”

From Los Angeles Times

“Defeat devices significantly increase air pollution from motor vehicles, particularly in communities that already are overburdened by pollution,” said David M. Uhlmann, assistant administrator for the EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• encumber
• oppress
• overwhelm