Overload

An overload is a situation where a machine or system is subjected to a greater load than it was designed for. Electrical overload can be caused by short circuit or by incorrect installation. Systems should incorporate suitable overload protection devices to prevent damage should such a situation occur.

Some computer languages support function overloading, and operator overloading. In hacker jargon, a word or is said to be overloaded if it can have multiple meanings, depending on context.