overtax

[ˌəʊvəˈtæks]

overtax Definition

• 1. to burden with excessive tax or cost
• 2. to 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

• overburden
• overload
• overwork
• exhaust
• drain

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.