Overtax: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone or something is given more work or responsibility than they can handle, often related to physical or mental effort. It can also mean demanding too much in terms of obligations or capabilities.

• The manager tended to overtax his team, leading to burnout.
• Overtaxing your body at the gym can lead to injuries.

Typically used in scenarios where someone is given too many responsibilities or too much weight, often causing stress or difficulty. This term is frequently used in occupational or emotional contexts.

• She felt overburdened with family duties and work responsibilities.
• Overburdening employees can decrease productivity in the long run.

Applies to situations where the amount of work, information, or weight exceeds a limit, leading to breakdowns or inefficiency. Commonly used in technical, academic, or logistical scenarios.

• The electrical circuit can overload if too many appliances are plugged in.
• Students often feel overloaded with assignments during exam season.

Describes scenarios where continued pressure or effort negatively affects someone or something, leading to stress, damage, or difficulty. Commonly used in physical, emotional, or financial contexts.

• Lifting heavy boxes every day can strain your back.
• Her relationship with her partner was strained due to constant arguments.

Refers to a situation where someone feels so much pressure or stress that it becomes difficult to manage. Often describes emotional states but can also be used in response to physical or logistical challenges.

• The constant demands of his job began to overwhelm him.
• She was overwhelmed with gratitude for the support she received.

When someone or something is burdened beyond their capacity, whether it be with work, responsibilities, or taxes. It implies causing stress or strain.

• The new project will overtax our resources.
• Don’t overtax yourself with too many commitments.

When someone is charged more than the fair or listed price for a good or service. This often suggests dishonesty or mistake.

• I realized they overcharged me for the meal.
• Customers complained that the hotel had overcharged them.

When referring to imposing large or substantial taxes, fees, or fines, typically by an authority or government.

• The government decided to levy heavily on luxury goods.
• Local authorities are planning to levy heavily on new businesses.

In situations where someone is cheated or scammed out of money or resources. This word has a negative connotation.

• The tourists were fleeced by the street vendors.
• She was fleeced by the contractor who charged double the fair price.