overstress
verb
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
Predicasts Technology Update… the alternate action of the wind on either side of the church overstressed the intermediate external pillar, which failed.—Mario Salvadori
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.]
Examples of overstress in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The sense of something fitting a space well can be felt without being overstressed with text and diagrams.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 7 June 2026
Preliminary findings show fatigue cracks, overstressing The agency already determined a pair of structural fittings that kept the left jet engine attached to the wing broke, according to the NTSB.
—Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 19 May 2026
Again, mowing frequently is key to holding weeds in check without overstressing the grass.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 9 May 2026
Watermelon is about 90% water, which helps maintain proper hydration and prevents muscle cells from becoming overstressed and cramping.
—Oluseun Olufade, Verywell Health, 8 May 2026
This ensures that the gorillas are not overstressed by exposure to humans and disease transfer is limited.
—Emese MacZko, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2026
Walking on an incline, according to research, engages the lower body and may improve cardiovascular health without overstressing the joints, which is especially beneficial for older adults.
—Outside, 31 Jan. 2026
When overstressed, the tendon can become inflamed, resulting in pain, stiffness and weakness.
—Harlan Selesnick, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2025
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Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 7 June 2026
Preliminary findings show fatigue cracks, overstressing The agency already determined a pair of structural fittings that kept the left jet engine attached to the wing broke, according to the NTSB.
—Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 19 May 2026
Again, mowing frequently is key to holding weeds in check without overstressing the grass.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 9 May 2026
Watermelon is about 90% water, which helps maintain proper hydration and prevents muscle cells from becoming overstressed and cramping.
—Oluseun Olufade, Verywell Health, 8 May 2026
This ensures that the gorillas are not overstressed by exposure to humans and disease transfer is limited.
—Emese MacZko, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2026
Walking on an incline, according to research, engages the lower body and may improve cardiovascular health without overstressing the joints, which is especially beneficial for older adults.
—Outside, 31 Jan. 2026
When overstressed, the tendon can become inflamed, resulting in pain, stiffness and weakness.
—Harlan Selesnick, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Overstress.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overstress. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.
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