overgrow

[oh-ver-groh, oh-ver-groh]

verb (used with object)

overgrew, overgrown, overgrowing. 

1. to grow over; cover with a growth of something.

2. to grow beyond, grow too large for, or outgrow.

3. to outdo in growing; choke or supplant by a more exuberant growth.

verb (used without object)

overgrew, overgrown, overgrowing. 

1. to grow to excess; grow too large.

   When the vegetable overgrows, it tends to be woody.

2. to become grown over, as with weeds.

   An untended garden will quickly overgrow.

overgrow

/ ˌəʊvəˈɡrəʊ /

verb

1. (tr) to grow over or across (an area, path, lawn, etc)

2. (tr) to choke or supplant by a stronger growth

3. (tr) to grow too large for

4. (intr) to grow beyond normal size

Other Word Forms

• overgrowth noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of overgrow¹

First recorded in 1300–50, overgrow is from the Middle English word overgrowen. See over-, grow

Example Sentences

Jaynes said Gaon is a private man who obtained a biology degree in college and allows the vegetation in his front yard to overgrow so he can observe butterflies and other insects.

From Los Angeles Times

"Farmers are forced to overgrow to meet strict supermarket contracts, only to see tons of perfectly good food rejected because it doesn't meet cosmetic standards."

From Salon

We are witnessing a population of infant black holes overgrowing their nurseries and flourishing faster than expected in the distant, early universe.

From Scientific American

We moved on to his backyard, where mi tío had trimmed hedges that the previous owner let overgrow.

From Los Angeles Times

"To walk on the roads because the path isn't safe because of all the hemlock and vegetation overgrowing, they're being put in this really difficult and unsafe position," she says.

From BBC

Related Words

• beset 
• choke 
• deluge 
• inundate 
• invade 
• overflow 
• overwhelm 
• ravage