over·stress
ˌō-vər-ˈstres
overstressed; overstressing
: to stress (someone or something) excessively: such as
a
: to subject (someone or something) to excessive physical or psychological stress
overstressed himself with too many commitments
… workers often overstress their muscles and tissues to the point where they become inflamed …—Predicasts Technology Update
… the alternate action of the wind on either side of the church overstressed the intermediate external pillar, which failed.—Mario Salvadori
b
: to place too much emphasis on (something) : overemphasize
overstress the possibility of an unlikely problem
The importance of this point can't be overstressed. [= I can't emphasize the importance of this point too much.]
over·stress
ˈō-vər-ˌstres
: an excessive amount of physical or psychological stress
overstress on a building's supports
He learned a short left leg had resulted in overstress on the right foot.—Hillary Gavan
While a certain level of stress can increase productivity, overstress causes us—at a deep, biological level—to start making choices that are unwise, unsafe, and even unethical.—Brian Whetten
Cite this Entry
“Overstress.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overstress. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
