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Overrun: meaning, definitions and examples

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overrun

 

[ˌoʊvərˈrʌn ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

invasion

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

Synonyms

capture, invade, occupy, overwhelm.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
overrun

Use this word when describing a situation where something has spread or taken up space excessively, often beyond control. It's usually not used in a military context.

  • The garden was overrun with weeds.
  • The party was overrun by gate crashers.
invade

Utilize this word when referring to an aggressive entry into a place, often with the intention of taking control. It usually has a negative connotation and is often used in a military or personal space context.

  • The troops invaded the enemy territory.
  • He felt his privacy was invaded by the reporters.
overwhelm

It's best used when describing a situation where someone or something is overpowered by a force or quantity that is too large to handle. It usually conveys a sense of stress or difficulty.

  • She was overwhelmed by the amount of work she had to do.
  • The small boat was overwhelmed by the huge waves.
occupy

This word is suitable when referring to taking control or possession of an area, sometimes without permission but not necessarily through aggression. It can be used in both physical and abstract senses.

  • Protestors occupied the main square for several days.
  • She occupied her time with reading.
capture

This term is best used when something is taken or caught, often with a sense of control or confinement. It can be used in both literal and metaphorical contexts.

  • The army captured the enemy fort.
  • The photograph captures the beauty of the sunset.

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
overrun

Use this word when something or someone takes over a place or thing completely, often more than expected or wanted. It can have a slightly negative connotation.

  • The city was overrun with tourists during the holiday season.
  • The garden was overrun by weeds.
spread over

This phrase is useful for describing something that extends itself over an area, often gradually. It generally has a neutral connotation.

  • The fire spread over the forest quickly.
  • A warm glow spread over her face when she heard the good news.
cover

This term is appropriate when you want to describe something that is placed over a surface so that it is no longer visible.

  • She used a blanket to cover the sleeping baby.
  • The snow covered the entire landscape by morning.
infest

This word is used primarily to describe pests or undesirable creatures that invade a place in large numbers. It carries a negative connotation.

  • The old house was infested with rats.
  • The crops were infested with locusts.
inundate

This word is used when something is flooded or overwhelmed with a large amount of water, information, or tasks. It can have a negative or neutral connotation depending on the situation.

  • The town was inundated by the heavy rains.
  • Her office was inundated with paperwork.

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
overrun

Typically used to describe a situation where something has spread out or expanded beyond its normal or intended limits. Often used with negative connotations when something undesirable, like pests or enemies, has taken over an area.

  • The garden was overrun with weeds.
  • The city was overrun by enemy forces.
excess

Used to indicate more than the necessary or desired amount of something. It can be used in both positive and negative contexts, often depending on what is given in excess.

  • He has an excess of enthusiasm.
  • There was an excess of noise at the party.
surplus

Indicates an amount that is more than what is needed, often used in economic or resource contexts to describe extra goods, money, or supplies. It usually does not carry a negative connotation.

  • The farm had a surplus of corn this year.
  • The budget surplus will be used for improving infrastructure.
overflow

Refers to a situation where something is so full that it spills over the edges. Often used literally for liquids but can also be used metaphorically for emotions or other intangible concepts.

  • The river might overflow its banks after the heavy rain.
  • Her heart was overflowing with joy.
overabundance

Denotes a quantity that is overwhelmingly more than needed, typically used in a negative sense to describe an unnecessary or wasteful amount.

  • There was an overabundance of caution in their approach.
  • The pantry had an overabundance of canned goods.

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'overrun' comes from the Middle English term 'overran', meaning to run over or across something.
  • It combines 'over', indicating excess, and 'run', which means to move quickly.
  • First recorded use of 'overrun' dates back to the 14th century, reflecting its longstanding presence in the English language.

Literature

  • In Shakespeare's play 'Henry IV', the term captures the essence of conflict and chaos within battles.
  • Many adventure novels describe scenarios where characters find themselves in situations ‘overrun’ by challenges, symbolizing overwhelming odds.
  • The concept appears frequently in dystopian fiction, often representing societies overwhelmed by chaos or corruption.

Military History

  • In military terms, an 'overrun' refers to a situation where enemy forces surge beyond their intended positions during an attack.
  • Historically, armies often found themselves overrun when defenders were outnumbered or poorly prepared.
  • The term became particularly prominent during the World Wars, describing rapid advances of troops into enemy territory.

Environmental Science

  • In ecology, 'overrun' can describe situations where certain species exceed their natural population limits, leading to habitat destruction.
  • Invasive species often overrun local ecosystems, causing significant ecological imbalance and loss of biodiversity.
  • Urban overrun occurs when cities expand beyond their sustainable limits, affecting resources and quality of life.

Culture and Media

  • In video games, players often encounter levels that become overrun by enemies or obstacles, increasing the challenge.
  • Popular films frequently depict post-apocalyptic scenarios where cities are overrun by zombies, creating a sense of urgency.
  • The term is often used in news reports to describe public spaces overwhelmed by crowds during events or crises.

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

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.