Overrun

/ˌoʊ.vəˈrʌn/

Meaning & Definition

noun

An instance of excessive or uncontrolled spreading or overflowing.

The overrun of the zoo by visitors led to a temporary closure.

verb

To spread over or occupy a place suddenly or in large numbers.

The weeds have overrun the garden, choking out the flowers.

To exceed the limits of.

The project has overrun its budget due to unexpected expenses.

To overflow; to flood.

The river overran its banks after the heavy rainfall.

Middle English, from over + run

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

run over

to hit or drive over something or someone

overflow

to spill over the edge

to be out of control

The party was so wild it just overran!

to take over a situation

When the kids overran the playground, it was chaos!