Overdosed: meaning, definitions and examples
π
overdosed
[ oΚvΙrΛdoΚst ]
drug use
Overdosed refers to the act of taking an excessive and potentially harmful or lethal dosage of a drug or medication. This can occur accidentally, such as miscalculating doses, or intentionally, in cases of self-harm. An overdose can lead to severe health complications, including organ failure, respiratory distress, or death. Treatment often requires immediate medical intervention to mitigate the effects of the overdose and stabilize the individual.
Synonyms
intoxicated, overconsumed, poisoned.
Examples of usage
- He overdosed on prescription painkillers.
- The paramedics arrived after she had overdosed on heroin.
- He was hospitalized after overdosing on sleeping pills.
Etymology
The term 'overdose' first appeared in the English language in the late 19th century, initially to describe the administration of a dosage greater than the recommended amount for medicinal purposes. It is derived from the prefix 'over-', meaning excessive, and 'dose', a term borrowed from the French 'dosage'. The concept of overdose became particularly prominent with the rise of pharmaceuticals and the medicalization of drug use, evolving to encompass illegal drugs and their abuse. Over the decades, as awareness of drug addiction and its consequences increased, the term adapted to reflect the growing public health crisis associated with both prescription medications and illicit substances. Today, 'overdosed' is commonly used in discussions about drug abuse, recovery, and harm reduction strategies.