Overload - Definition and Overview

• 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, by incorrect installation, or by misuse such as running a high-powered appliance off a low-power extension cord. Systems should incorporate suitable overload protection devices to prevent damage should such a situation occur. Fuses and circuit breakers are commonly employed for this purpose.

• function overloading, and operator overloading, in software engineering. In hacker jargon, a word is said to be overloaded if it can have multiple meanings, depending on context.

• Information overload, in psychology, organization science, management information systems, communication sciences, media studies, and accounting. It designates a situation where the individual is no longer able to process incoming information adequately in the available amount of time.