overdraw

[ oh-ver-draw ]

verb (used with object)

, o·ver·drew, o·ver·drawn, o·ver·draw·ing.

1. to draw upon (an account, allowance, etc.) in excess of the balance standing to one's credit or at one's disposal:

   It was the first time he had ever overdrawn his account.

2. to strain, as a bow, by drawing too far.
3. to exaggerate in portraying, describing, depicting, or drawing:

   The author has overdrawn the villain to the point of absurdity.

verb (used without object)

, o·ver·drew, o·ver·drawn, o·ver·draw·ing.

1. to overdraw an account or the like:

   It ruins one's credit to overdraw frequently at a bank.

2. (of a stove, fireplace, etc.) to draw excessively; have too strong an updraft:

   When the flue overdraws, all the heat goes right up the chimney.

overdraw

/ ˌəʊvəˈdrɔː /

verb

1. to draw on (a bank account) in excess of the credit balance
2. tr to strain or pull (a bow) too far
3. tr to exaggerate in describing or telling

Other Words From

• uno·ver·drawn adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of overdraw¹

Middle English word dating back to 1325–75; over-, draw

Example Sentences

Ms Jones said she was £464 overdrawn as a result of being overcharged.

From BBC

No need to worry about spending more than you have because it usually won’t let you overdraw.

From Seattle Times

Proponents of the apps say they help people living paycheck to paycheck manage their finances and avoid the need for more onerous options, such as payday loans or overdrawing a bank account.

From Seattle Times

It recounts a recent snowstorm, how her bank account was overdrawn and how she fell off a ladder before telling him how much she missed him.

From Seattle Times

Financial investigator Laura Mackenzie added the defendant's bank account was overdrawn.

From BBC

Related Words

• amplify
• distort
• emphasize
• fabricate
• falsify
• heighten
• inflate
• magnify
• misrepresent
• overdo
• overemphasize
• overestimate