'overgrown' originates from the Old English word 'ofergrōwan', where 'ofer-' meant 'over' and 'grōwan' meant 'to grow'.

'ofergrōwan' transformed into the Middle English word 'overgrowen', and eventually became the modern English word 'overgrown'.

Initially, it meant 'to grow excessively', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'covered with uncontrolled plant growth'.