Definition

To give plants more fertilizer than they need, which can harm them.

Example

If you overfertilize your garden, the plants may suffer from nutrient burn.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I think I might have overfertilized my plants again.

Oh no! What happened this time?

The leaves are turning yellow, and I'm worried they won't survive.

You should probably flush them out with water to help.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Overfertilize → It is formed from "over-" (meaning excessively) and "fertilize" (from Latin "fertilis", meaning fruitful or productive, combined with the suffix "-ize", meaning to make). The word means to make something excessively fruitful or productive, often referring to plants receiving too much fertilizer.

Memory Tip

Think of 'over-' meaning excessively, and 'fertilize' meaning to make fruitful. This helps you remember that overfertilize means to make something too fruitful.

Visually Confused Words