outgrow

[out-groh]

verb (used with object)

outgrew, outgrown, outgrowing. 

1. to grow too large for.

   to outgrow one's clothes.

2. to leave behind or lose in the changes incident to development or the passage of time.

   She outgrew her fear of the dark.

3. to surpass in growing.

   watching one child outgrow another.

verb (used without object)

outgrew, outgrown, outgrowing. 

1. Archaic.,  to grow out; burst forth; protrude.

outgrow

/ ˌaʊtˈɡrəʊ /

verb

1. to grow too large for (clothes, shoes, etc)

2. to lose (a habit, idea, reputation, etc) in the course of development or time

3. to grow larger or faster than

Word History and Origins

Origin of outgrow¹

First recorded in 1585–95; out- + grow

Example Sentences

An event that started off as a bluff has outgrown its genre roots to become a legitimate destination for rabid film fans, boasting rarities and prestige titles alike.

From Los Angeles Times

Whizz Kidz provided her with a chair to use at school, but her family is worried that Wren will soon outgrow that chair too.

From BBC

Cygnet had long outgrown its technologically outdated, barnlike theater in Old Town San Diego, its lease was uncertain and its operations were scattered around the area, notes Sean Murray, the Cygnet’s co-founder and artistic director.

From Los Angeles Times

Conceived as something for children who had outgrown Watch with Mother, its survival was resting on the fact it was cheap to make.

From BBC

There’s a glimmer of hope that, one day, this girl will outgrow the racism she’s ingested.

From Los Angeles Times