Meaning & Definition of word "Overrun"
to
Overrun
/ˌoʊ.vəˈrʌn/
noun:
- 1. An instance of excessive or uncontrolled spreading or overflowing.
- Example: The overrun of the zoo by visitors led to a temporary closure.
verb:
- 1. To spread over or occupy a place suddenly or in large numbers.
- Example: The weeds have overrun the garden, choking out the flowers.
- 2. To exceed the limits of.
- Example: The project has overrun its budget due to unexpected expenses.
- 3. To overflow; to flood.
- Example: The river overran its banks after the heavy rainfall.
Etymology
Middle English, from over + run
Common Phrases and Expressions
overrun a budget:
to spend more money than allocated
overrun with guests:
to have an excessive number of visitors
overrun with problems:
to be overwhelmed by difficulties
Related Words
run over:
to hit or drive over something or someone
overflow:
to spill over the edge
Slang Meanings of overrun
Meaning: to be out of control
Example Sentence: The party was so wild it just overran!
Meaning: to take over a situation
Example Sentence: When the kids overran the playground, it was chaos!