overgraze

[ oh-ver-greyz, oh-ver-greyz ]

verb (used with object)

, o·ver·grazed, o·ver·graz·ing.

1. to graze (land) to excess.

overgraze

/ ˌəʊvəˈɡreɪz /

verb

1. tr to graze (land) beyond its capacity to sustain stock

Word History and Origins

Origin of overgraze¹

over- + graze ¹

Example Sentences

Too many deer can overgraze certain plants, reducing the biodiversity of forested areas — and the other animals that depend on now-missing plants.

From Science News For Students

When overabundant, urchins can overgraze kelp forests, leaving behind “barrens.”

From Science News For Students

The settlers also built roads, cut trees, mined streams, overgrazed livestock and created flood-control and irrigation structures, all of which changed the plumbing of watersheds like Birch Creek’s.

From Science News