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Overladen Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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overladen

[ˌoʊ.vərˈloʊ.dæn ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

excessive load

To overload means to load something beyond its capacity. This can refer to vehicles, systems, or any object that can be burdened with too much weight or responsibility.

Synonyms

encumber, overburden, overweight, overwhelm.

Examples of usage

  • The truck was overloaded with supplies for the festival.
  • Don't overload the circuits or you'll cause a power outage.
  • She felt overloaded with work and could not meet the deadline.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In literary works, characters can be described as 'overladen' with worries or emotions, illustrating their struggles.
  • This term often features in fables and stories to symbolize the dangers of greed, where characters are burdened by excess.

Psychology

  • Psychologically, being 'overladen' with responsibilities can lead to stress and burnout, highlighting the need for balance.
  • In therapy, the concept can be used to describe individuals feeling overwhelmed by life events or tasks.

Environmental Insights

  • In environmental discussions, 'overladen' can refer to ecosystems overwhelmed by too many pollutants or invasive species.
  • Agriculturally, soils can become 'overladen' with chemicals, leading to detrimental effects on crop health and biodiversity.

Transportation

  • In transportation, vehicles that are 'overladen' can experience increased wear and tear, affecting safety and efficiency.
  • Traffic regulations often prohibit 'overladen' vehicles to ensure safe travel on roads.

Origin of 'overladen'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originated from Middle English 'overladen', which combines 'over' (too much) and 'laden' (to load).
  • In Old English, 'laden' comes from 'lǣdan', meaning to load or bring along, reflecting the concept of carrying something.

The term 'overladen' is derived from the Middle English word 'overladen', which comes from the combination of the prefix 'over-' meaning 'excessive' and the verb 'laden' meaning 'to load'. 'Laden' has its roots in Old English 'hladan', which means 'to load, to carry'. The prefix 'over-' adds the connotation of doing something excessively, suggesting that something is loaded more than it should be. This word has been used in the English language since at least the 15th century and has maintained its meaning through the years, often used in contexts involving transportation, machinery, and situations where an entity is burdened beyond its reasonable limit.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,724, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.