Overeat: meaning, definitions and examples

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overeat

[ˌoʊvərˈit ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

eating habits

To eat more food than the body needs or can handle, often to the point of discomfort or illness. Overeating can lead to weight gain, digestive issues, and other health problems.

Synonyms

binge, gorge, indulge.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
overeat	Refer to the above context for 'overeat' as it is the same.
binge	Often used to describe excessive eating or drinking over a longer period of time, sometimes with a negative connotation. It can also be used in non-food contexts like watching TV. She tends to binge on ice cream whenever she feels stressed. After the exams, he went on a binge-watching spree of his favorite show.
gorge	Typically implies eating large amounts of food in a short period, often with a sense of indulgence. It has a slightly more intense and gluttonous implication. They gorged themselves on the feast laid out before them. After a long hike, we gorged on burgers and fries.
indulge	Used when allowing oneself to enjoy something, especially food or drink, in moderation or to an extent that might not be considered excessive. We decided to indulge in some chocolate cake after dinner. She rarely indulges her sweet tooth, but today was an exception.

Examples of usage

He tends to overeat when he is stressed.
Overeating at night can disrupt sleep patterns.
She regrets overeating at the buffet yesterday.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

eating habits

The act of consuming food beyond the body's nutritional requirements, often resulting in discomfort or negative health effects.

Synonyms

binge eating, gluttony, overeating.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
overeat	This word is typically used in everyday conversations to describe eating too much food, usually unintentionally or during a single meal. It's a more neutral term compared to others. I tend to overeat during the holidays. She felt sick after she overate at the buffet.
overeating	Overeating refers to consuming too much food and can be used in both casual and formal contexts. It's often mentioned in discussions about diet, health, and nutrition. Overeating can lead to weight gain and other health problems. They offered tips to help avoid overeating during festive seasons.
binge eating	This term is used in a more medical or psychological context to describe a pattern of eating large quantities of food in a short period of time, often associated with a feeling of loss of control. It's often related to eating disorders. Binge eating can be a serious health issue. He struggled with binge eating for several years.
gluttony	Gluttony has a negative connotation and is often used in a moral or religious context to criticize excessive eating as a vice. It's less commonly used in everyday language. In many cultures, gluttony is considered a sin. The book condemned the elite's gluttony amidst widespread poverty.

Examples of usage

Her constant overeat is affecting her health.
Overeat can lead to obesity and related health issues.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'overeat' comes from the combination of 'over', meaning too much, and 'eat', which means to consume food.
It has been used in the English language since the late 18th century, showing concerns about health and eating habits.

Health

Overeating can lead to obesity, which is a significant risk factor for various diseases, including diabetes and heart conditions.
Many people overeat due to emotional reasons like stress or boredom, not just physical hunger.
Portion control is essential; studies show that larger plates can lead to increased food consumption.

Psychology

Binge eating disorder is characterized by episodes of eating large quantities of food rapidly and feeling a lack of control.
Mindful eating practices encourage focus on the eating experience, which can help prevent overeating by recognizing hunger cues.
Social situations often encourage overeating, as people tend to eat more when they are with others.

Cultural Practices

In some cultures, finishing everything on your plate is a sign of respect and appreciation for the food served.
Festivals and celebrations often revolve around abundant food, which can promote overeating during those occasions.

Literature

In many novels, characters who overeat often symbolize excess and a lack of control, reflecting societal critiques of indulgence.
Children's stories frequently include characters who learn lessons about moderation after experiencing the consequences of overeating.

Translations

Translations of the word "overeat" in other languages:

🇵🇹 comer demais

🇮🇳 अतिभोजन करना

🇩🇪 überessen

🇮🇩 makan berlebihan

🇺🇦 переїдати

🇵🇱 przejadać się

🇯🇵 食べ過ぎる

🇫🇷 trop manger

🇪🇸 comer en exceso

🇹🇷 aşırı yemek

🇰🇷 과식하다

🇸🇦 الإفراط في الأكل

🇨🇿 přejídat se

🇸🇰 prejedať sa

🇨🇳 吃过多

🇸🇮 prenajedati se

🇮🇸 oféta sig

🇰🇿 асық жеу

🇬🇪 გადაჭარბებული ჭამა

🇦🇿 həddindən artıq yemək

🇲🇽 comer en exceso

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,896 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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34893 outgrowing
34894 viewable
34895 cowslip
34896 overeat
34897 tippet
34898 skylark
34899 spender
...