overdose
UK: ˈəʊvədəʊs | US: ˈoʊvərdoʊs
n. A dangerously excessive quantity of a drug or substance.
vt. To administer or take a dangerously excessive quantity of a drug.
vi. To take a dangerously excessive quantity of a drug.
The word "overdose" combines "over," from Old English "ofer" (meaning "above" or "beyond"), and "dose," derived from Greek "dosis" (meaning "a giving" or "portion"). Originally used in medical contexts to denote an excessive medicinal quantity, it later expanded to describe dangerous drug consumption. The logic is straightforward: "over" signals excess, while "dose" specifies the measured quantity, creating a vivid warning against exceeding safe limits.
The patient suffered severe complications from a drug overdose.
Never exceed the recommended dose to avoid overdosing.
Authorities warned about the risks of opioid overdose.
She accidentally overdosed on prescription medication.
Overdose prevention programs are essential in public health.