Overcrowd: meaning, definitions and examples

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overcrowd

 

[ ˌoʊ.vərˈkraʊd ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

public transport

To fill something with too many people or things, so that there is not enough space for everyone.

Synonyms

cram, jam, pack.

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Word Description / Examples
overcrowd

Used when describing a situation where a space is filled with too many people or things, often causing discomfort or inconvenience. It usually has a negative connotation.

  • The subway was overcrowded during rush hour.
  • The school is overcrowded, making it difficult for students to learn.
cram

Typically used to describe filling a space with too much, often quickly or in a hurried manner. It can also describe studying intensely for a short period before an exam.

  • We had to cram all our luggage into the tiny car.
  • She crammed for her exams all night and barely slept.
pack

Used when referring to putting things closely together, often in an organized manner or fitting as much as possible into a space. It can also refer to preparing luggage for travel.

  • You need to pack your clothes neatly in the suitcase.
  • The stadium was packed with excited fans.
jam

Often used to describe a situation where things or people are stuck closely together, sometimes to the point where no movement is possible. It can also refer to a mechanical blockage.

  • The traffic was jammed due to an accident on the highway.
  • I can't open the door; it's jammed.

Examples of usage

  • The train was overcrowded with commuters during rush hour.
  • The bus station was overcrowded with tourists trying to get to the city center.
Context #2 | Noun

urban areas

A situation in which there are too many people or things in a particular area, making it difficult for everyone to move around freely.

Synonyms

congestion, crowding, jam.

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Word Description / Examples
overcrowd

Used when talking about a place or event that has too many people, making it difficult for people to move around comfortably.

  • The concert was so popular that it began to overcrowd the stadium
congestion

Typically used to describe places where there is a high volume of traffic, people, or data, leading to blockages and delays. Often used for traffic or communication networks.

  • There was heavy congestion on the highway during the morning rush hour
crowding

Refers to the state of being too full of people, often making a place uncomfortable. It can be used in various contexts including public transport, events, or small spaces.

  • Crowding in the subway during peak hours makes the commute uncomfortable
jam

Most often used to describe traffic situations where movement is severely limited due to too many vehicles. Can also be used metaphorically for other types of blockages.

  • We were stuck in a traffic jam for over an hour
  • His desk is in a bit of a jam with all the papers piled up

Examples of usage

  • The city streets were a scene of overcrowd, with cars bumper to bumper.
  • The park became overcrowded during the music festival.

Translations

Translations of the word "overcrowd" in other languages:

🇵🇹 superlotar

🇮🇳 भीड़ से भरना

🇩🇪 überfüllen

🇮🇩 terlalu padat

🇺🇦 переповнювати

🇵🇱 przeludniać

🇯🇵 過密

🇫🇷 surpeupler

🇪🇸 superpoblar

🇹🇷 aşırı kalabalık yapmak

🇰🇷 과밀하다

🇸🇦 ازدحم

🇨🇿 přelidnit

🇸🇰 preľudniť

🇨🇳 过度拥挤

🇸🇮 prenapolniti

🇮🇸 of þjappa

🇰🇿 шектен тыс толтыру

🇬🇪 გადაჭარბებულად გადატვირთვა

🇦🇿 həddindən artıq doldurmaq

🇲🇽 superpoblar

Etymology

The word 'overcrowd' originated in the 19th century, combining 'over-' (excessive) and 'crowd'. It reflects the growing urbanization and population density in cities during the Industrial Revolution. Overcrowding remains a significant issue in modern society, particularly in metropolitan areas.

See also: crowded, crowdedness, crowding, overcrowded, overcrowding.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,274, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.