What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
od
Example
She had an OD after taking too many sleeping pills. [OD: noun]
Example
He OD'd on heroin and was rushed to the hospital. [OD'd: past tense verb]
overdose
Example
The singer died of a drug overdose. [overdose: noun]
Example
She was rushed to the hospital after overdosing on prescription medication. [overdosing: present participle verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Overdose is more commonly used than OD in everyday language. Overdose is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while OD is less common and typically used in medical or informal settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between od and overdose?
Overdose is generally considered more formal than OD. While OD is often associated with drug use or addiction, overdose can refer to any substance or medication, making it more appropriate for formal contexts.
