overexert

verb

over·​ex·​ert ˌō-vər-ig-ˈzərt How to pronounce overexert (audio)
overexerted; overexerting; overexerts

transitive + intransitive

: to exert (oneself) too much
Muriel was sent to bed at the slightest symptom and warned against overexerting herself …Garrison Keillor
There are two types of heat stroke: exertional, which typically affects active people who overexert themselves in heat, and passive, which generally involves elderly or sedentary people who are exposed to high temperatures.Andrew Weil
People at highest risk of heat-related illness include the very young, the elderly and those of any age who overexert in the heat.Don Colburn
overexertion noun
plural overexertions
an injury caused by overexertion

Examples of overexert in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
People who overexert during work or exercise may become dehydrated and susceptible to heat sickness. Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 14 June 2024 Still, Stearns acknowledged that Martinez may have overexerted himself by trying to cram six weeks of spring training into only two weeks. Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 16 Apr. 2024 But doctors also treated heart attacks from people overexerting themselves in the cold weather. Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 18 Jan. 2024 Mars can occasionally bring stress, however, so be wary of overexerting yourself in the name of home improvement. Tarot Astrologers, Chicago Tribune, 16 Sep. 2023 See all Example Sentences for overexert 

Word History

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overexert was in 1817

Dictionary Entries Near overexert

Cite this Entry

“Overexert.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overexert. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

overexert

transitive verb
over·​ex·​ert ˌō-və-rig-ˈzərt How to pronounce overexert (audio)
: to exert (oneself) too much

intransitive verb

: to exert oneself to excess
overexertion noun

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