overgrow

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

verb (used with object)

, o·ver·grew, o·ver·grown, o·ver·grow·ing.

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)

, o·ver·grew, o·ver·grown, o·ver·grow·ing.

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

Derived Forms

• ˈoverˌgrowth, 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

They overgrow the dwarf stocks very strongly and thus do not have a very firm hold on the ground.

From Project Gutenberg

The epiblast would necessarily overgrow the yolk uniformly on all sides and not in the unsymmetrical fashion of the Selachian egg.

From Project Gutenberg

How had this subterranean vegetation contrived to pierce and overgrow the summit of the country?

From Project Gutenberg

We could not help growing; perhaps we wished to overgrow; but is there no such thing as ungrowing?

From Project Gutenberg

It is to be feared that this new Madrid will overgrow all that is left of the old city.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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