to burden with excessive tax or cost, to strain or exhaust (someone or something) excessively

overtax one's strength, overtax one's patience, overtax the system

Formal and Informal Expressions of overtax

In different contexts, you can replace 'overtax' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'overburden, strain' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'push too hard, wear out' is a commonplace synonym.

overtax: Explore its Definition & Usage

overtax Definition

1to burden with excessive tax or cost
2to strain or exhaust (someone or something) excessively

Using overtax: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "overtax" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The government should not overtly tax the middle class.
Example
The new regulations will overtax small businesses.
Example
The long hours of work overtly taxed his physical and mental health.

overtax Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for overtax

Antonyms for overtax

underwork
underuse

Phrases with overtax

overtax one's strength
to demand too much from someone, beyond their capacity to handle
Example
The rigorous training program overtaxed her strength, leading to an injury.
overtax one's patience
to test someone's patience by making excessive demands or causing frustration
Example
The constant delays and changes in plans overtaxed his patience, causing him to lose his temper.
overtax the system
to put too much pressure on a system, causing it to malfunction or break down
Example
The sudden surge in demand for healthcare services overtaxed the system, leading to long wait times and delays.

Origins of overtax

from 'over-' meaning 'too much' and 'tax'

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Summary: overtax in Brief

The verb 'overtax' [ˌəʊvəˈtæks] means to impose excessive tax or cost, or to strain or exhaust someone or something. It can be used in contexts such as government policies, business regulations, and personal health. Examples include 'The government should not overtly tax the middle class,' and 'The long hours of work overtly taxed his physical and mental health.' Phrases like 'overtax one's strength' and 'overtax one's patience' denote excessive demands on individuals, while 'overtax the system' refers to putting too much pressure on a system.