Overlabor

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. To engage in work to an extreme extent that leads to weariness or mental strain
2. To perform tasks or duties to such a degree that physical or mental health may be compromised
3. To carry out work beyond a healthy or reasonable limit causing fatigue or stress

Etymology: "Overlabor" is a plain compound: the prefix "over-" attached to "labor," meaning to work too hard or to excess. The prefix carries its usual sense of "beyond the proper amount," so the verb describes labouring past what is sensible or healthy. "Labor" itself comes from Latin "labor," meaning toil or exertion, which is where the word's core sense of hard work comes from. Because the construction is transparent, the word needs little explanation beyond its parts. The meaning follows directly from combining "over-" with the existing verb "labor," which is why it can be understood at a glance.

Synonyms: overwork, exert, strain

Antonyms: rest, relax