Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner's English Dictionary - overload

(overloaded) 1. If you overload something such as a vehicle, you put more things or people into it than it was designed to carry. Don’t overload the boat or it will sink... Large meals overload the digestive system. VERB: V n, V n • overloaded Some trains were so overloaded that their suspension collapsed. ADJ 2. To overload someone with work, problems, or information means to give them more work, problems, or information than they can cope with. ...an effective method that will not overload staff with yet more paperwork. VERB: V n with n • Overload is also a noun. 57 per cent complained of work overload... The greatest danger is that we simply create information overload for our executives. N-UNCOUNT: usu supp N • overloaded The bar waiter was already overloaded with orders. ADJ 3. If you overload an electrical system, you cause too much electricity to flow through it, and so damage it. Never overload an electrical socket. VERB: V n