'overgrow' originates from Old English elements, specifically the prefix 'ofer' and the verb 'grōwan', where 'ofer' meant 'over' or 'above' and 'grōwan' meant 'to grow'.

'overgrow' developed in Middle English from Old English compounds (for example 'ofergrōwan') and evolved into the modern verb 'overgrow' and its derived forms such as 'overgrowing'.

Initially, it literally meant 'to grow over or above' something; over time it retained that core sense and also came to be used more figuratively for growing excessively or exceeding bounds.