Overtax

/ˌəʊvərˈtæks/
verb

To ask or expect someone or something to do more than they can or should do.

The heavy workload overtaxed her and she fell ill.
Visual representation of "overtax" - To ask or expect someone or something to do more than they can or should do.

Often appears as...

  • overtax oneself
  • overtax one's energy
verb

Impose a tax on (someone or something) to an excessive extent.

Citizens should not be overtaxed by the government.
Visual representation of "overtax" - Impose a tax on (someone or something) to an excessive extent.

Often appears as...

  • overtax the rich
  • overtax corporations

Usage tips

Disapproving

verb

To ask or expect someone or something to do more than they can or should do.

The heavy workload overtaxed her and she fell ill.
Visual representation of "overtax" - To ask or expect someone or something to do more than they can or should do.

Often appears as...

  • overtax oneself
  • overtax one's energy
verb

Impose a tax on (someone or something) to an excessive extent.

Citizens should not be overtaxed by the government.
Visual representation of "overtax" - Impose a tax on (someone or something) to an excessive extent.

Often appears as...

  • overtax the rich
  • overtax corporations

Usage tips

Disapproving

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "overtax"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Physical Limit

Used to describe a situation where too much physical effort may harm someone.

Illustration for Physical Limit
Running a marathon without training can overtax your body.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Mental Demand

Refers to situations demanding more mental effort than one can comfortably give.

Illustration for Mental Demand
Trying to learn a new language in a week would overtax your cognitive resources.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Excessive Expectations

Highlights when expectations placed on a person are unreasonably high.

Illustration for Excessive Expectations
Asking a new employee to lead the project might overtax them.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Physical Limit

Used to describe a situation where too much physical effort may harm someone.

Illustration for Physical Limit
Running a marathon without training can overtax your body.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Mental Demand

Refers to situations demanding more mental effort than one can comfortably give.

Illustration for Mental Demand
Trying to learn a new language in a week would overtax your cognitive resources.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Excessive Expectations

Highlights when expectations placed on a person are unreasonably high.

Illustration for Excessive Expectations
Asking a new employee to lead the project might overtax them.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Physical Limit

Used to describe a situation where too much physical effort may harm someone.

Illustration for Physical Limit
Running a marathon without training can overtax your body.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Mental Demand

Refers to situations demanding more mental effort than one can comfortably give.

Illustration for Mental Demand
Trying to learn a new language in a week would overtax your cognitive resources.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Excessive Expectations

Highlights when expectations placed on a person are unreasonably high.

Illustration for Excessive Expectations
Asking a new employee to lead the project might overtax them.
Visual representation of the word "Overtax"

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