overstress

verb

Etymology: From over- + stress.

1. To place excessive emphasis on something.
2. To place excessive physical stress on something, especially to such an extent that it deforms or breaks.

   “[...] the complete frame will withstand a standing and buffing load of 200 tons without overstressing.”

3. To stress someone excessively.

   ““I think we better not catch him anymore right now,” said the vet. “We don’t want to overstress him.””

   “Susannah, I’m afraid my husband’s been ill for some time—a heart condition. I don’t want to overstress him.”