sobredosis
/sobɾeˈdosis/feminine
The English word "overdose" is translated into Spanish as sobredosis.
sobredosis is a noun used to describe an excessive and dangerous dose of a drug.
Meaning: excessive and dangerous dose of a drug (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the prefix sobre- (over/excessive) and dosis (dose).
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
sobredosis is a feminine noun. Consequently, it is used with feminine articles such as una or la. When describing the cause of death, use the preposition de after the verb morir (to die), as in morir de sobredosis.
How do you pronounce it?
/sobɾeˈdosis/
Did you know?
- While sobredosis refers to drugs, Spanish uses the term atracón to describe a 'binge' or an overdose of food.
- In clinical or formal settings, Spanish often pairs sobredosis with the verb sufrir (to suffer), whereas English speakers typically say someone 'had' an overdose.
- The Latin root of the prefix, 'super', is the direct ancestor of both the Spanish sobre- and the English word 'super', illustrating how the concept of 'above' or 'over' traveled through linguistic history.
Examples in context
- El adicto murió de sobredosis.The addict died from a drug overdose.This sentence uses sobredosis to show the cause of death.Tatoeba #491090 by Shishir, translation #328403 by fcbond
- Tom murió de una sobredosis de drogas.Tom died of a drug overdose.This sentence shows how to use sobredosis to describe a drug overdose.Tatoeba #1295182 by marcelostockle, translation #1094587 by CK
- Dalida murió de una sobredosis de somníferos.Dalida died from an overdose of sleeping pills.This sentence demonstrates the use of sobredosis in the context of sleeping pills.Tatoeba #1827411 by Espi, translation #510581 by shekitten
- Lamentablemente, el paciente sufrió una sobredosis de medicamentos y requiere atención médica inmediata.Unfortunately, the patient experienced an overdose of medication and requires immediate medical attention.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Javier are discussing a news report.
- Sofía¿Viste la noticia sobre la sobredosis?Did you see the news about the overdose?
- JavierSí, fue una sobredosis de medicinas.Yes, it was an overdose of medicines.
- SofíaQué tragedia para su familia.What a tragedy for his family.
- JavierEs muy triste, Sofía.It is very sad, Sofía.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “overdose” translations and entries sobredosis, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sobredosis, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
