overstrain

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to subject a person, body part, resource, or ability to more strain than it can safely bear

   Do not overstrain your back by lifting the crate alone.

2. 2
   verb

   to stretch an interpretation, claim, or imaginative effort beyond what is reasonable

   The elaborate explanation overstrains the available evidence.

3. 3
   noun

   excessive physical or mental strain

   Repeated overstrain left the climber's shoulder inflamed.

Formed in English from over- ("excessively") + strain. The physical sense of imposing too much tension or effort was extended to resources, abilities, and interpretations that are pushed beyond reasonable limits.

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