överbelasta

överbelasta is a Swedish verb that translates to "overload" in English. It describes the act of putting too much strain or pressure on something, whether it be a physical object, a system, or a person's capacity.

In a physical context, överbelasta can refer to subjecting a structure, like a bridge or a machine, to a weight or force exceeding its designed limits. This can lead to damage, failure, or collapse. For example, a bridge might be överbelastad by too many heavy vehicles crossing it simultaneously.

Figuratively, the term is often used to describe a situation where a system or a person is overwhelmed with tasks, information, or stress. A computer system might be överbelastad if too many programs are running at once, causing it to slow down or crash. Similarly, a person can feel överbelastad if they have too many responsibilities, leading to exhaustion, burnout, or mental distress. In this sense, it signifies exceeding one's capacity to cope or function effectively. The consequences of being överbelastad can range from minor inconveniences to severe breakdowns, depending on the nature and duration of the excessive strain.