Langimage
English

overrun

|o/ver/run|

B2

🇺🇸

/ˌoʊvərˈrʌn/

🇬🇧

/ˌəʊvəˈrʌn/

exceed limits

Etymology
Etymology Information

'overrun' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'oferrinnan,' where 'ofer-' meant 'over' and 'rinnan' meant 'to run.'

Historical Evolution

'oferrinnan' transformed into the Middle English word 'overrennen,' and eventually became the modern English word 'overrun.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to run over or across,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to spread over or occupy.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

an instance of something exceeding its expected or desired limits.

The project faced a budget overrun.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Verb 1

to spread over or occupy a place in large numbers, often causing damage or destruction.

The city was overrun by tourists during the festival.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35