overcrowd

[oh-ver-kroud]

verb (used with or without object)

1. to crowd to an uncomfortable or undesirable excess.

overcrowd

/ ˌəʊvəˈkraʊd /

verb

1. (tr) to fill (a room, vehicle, city, etc) with more people or things than is desirable

Word History and Origins

Origin of overcrowd¹

First recorded in 1760–70; over- + crowd ¹

Example Sentences

The newly sanctioned apartments in Culver City are modeled on Seattle’s ordinance with fire prevention in mind: The unit count is capped, minimizing the chances of overcrowding in the stairwell.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

After noting conditions consistent with overcrowding and heavy alcohol consumption, authorities issued a civil notice violation relating to public nuisances involving loud and unruly gatherings.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Prosecutors allege that licences for the club were issued unlawfully, inspections were not carried out and overcrowding was allowed at the venue.

Read more on BBC

Hundreds of people die each year trying to make the crossing to southern Europe each year in overcrowded and unsafe boats.

Read more on BBC

"With this overcrowding, most of them can neither read nor write," she told AFP.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• cluster 
• congest 
• congregate 
• deluge 
• flock 
• gather 
• huddle 
• pack 
• pile 
• squeeze 
• stream 
• swamp 
• swarm 
• throng