overuse
UK: /ˌəʊvərˈjuːz/ | US: /ˌoʊvərˈjuːz/
vt. to use something excessively or beyond its intended limit
n. the act of using something too much or too often
The word "overuse" combines the prefix "over-" (from Old English "ofer," meaning "excessive" or "beyond") with the root "use" (from Latin "uti," meaning "to employ"). The prefix intensifies the root, creating a term that explicitly denotes excessive employment of something. This logical construction reflects a straightforward evolution in English, where compounding prefixes with verbs or nouns efficiently conveys nuanced meanings.
Overuse of antibiotics can lead to drug resistance.
The athlete injured his knee due to overuse during training.
Critics argue that the film overuses special effects.
Overuse of pesticides harms the environment.
She was advised to avoid overusing her voice after the surgery.