Overrun: meaning, definitions and examples

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overrun

 

[ ˌoʊvərˈrʌn ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

invasion

To invade a place or area in large numbers, overwhelming the defenses and taking control.

Synonyms

capture, invade, occupy, overwhelm

Examples of usage

  • They planned to overrun the enemy camp at dawn.
  • The soldiers quickly overran the city, capturing key strategic points.
  • The enemy forces managed to overrun our position, forcing us to retreat.
  • The enemy troops are attempting to overrun our defenses.
Context #2 | Verb

spread

To spread over or cover a place or surface in a rapid and uncontrollable manner.

Synonyms

cover, infest, inundate, spread over

Examples of usage

  • The vines quickly overran the garden, choking out other plants.
  • The weeds have overrun the lawn, making it difficult to maintain.
  • If left unchecked, the mold will overrun the entire house.
Context #3 | Noun

excess

An excessive amount of something beyond what is needed or desired.

Synonyms

excess, overabundance, overflow, surplus

Examples of usage

  • There was an overrun of expenses in the project, leading to budget issues.
  • The company faced an overrun of orders during the holiday season.
  • The project experienced a time overrun due to unexpected delays.

Translations

Translations of the word "overrun" in other languages:

🇵🇹 invadir

🇮🇳 अतिक्रमण करना

🇩🇪 überrennen

🇮🇩 mengambil alih

🇺🇦 переповнювати

🇵🇱 przepełniać

🇯🇵 圧倒する

🇫🇷 envahir

🇪🇸 invadir

🇹🇷 istila etmek

🇰🇷 넘치다

🇸🇦 تجاوز

🇨🇿 překročit

🇸🇰 prekročiť

🇨🇳 侵占

🇸🇮 preseči

🇮🇸 yfirgnæfa

🇰🇿 басып кіру

🇬🇪 დაჭერა

🇦🇿 işğal etmək

🇲🇽 invadir

Etymology

The word 'overrun' originated from the combination of 'over' and 'run', dating back to the 14th century. Originally used in military contexts to describe the act of overwhelming enemy defenses, the term has evolved to encompass a broader range of meanings related to invasion, spread, and excess. Over time, 'overrun' has become a versatile word used in various contexts to convey the idea of overwhelming, covering, or exceeding limits.

See also: outrun, run, runaway, runnable, runner, runners, running, runoff, runs, runtime, runway.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,933, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.