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overfish

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /ˈoʊvərˌfɪʃ/

KK: /ˈoʊvərˌfɪʃ/

intransitive verb
Definition

To catch fish from a body of water in such large amounts that it reduces or depletes the fish population.


Example

If we continue to overfish, there will be no fish left in the ocean.


Tense Forms

Past: overfished

Past Participle: overfished


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you heard about the new fishing regulations in our area?
Sloth B
Yeah, I read that they're trying to prevent people from overfishing the lakes.
Sloth A
It makes sense; we need to protect the fish populations.
Sloth B
Absolutely! If we keep overfishing, there won't be any left for future generations.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
deplete
exhaust
overharvest
Antonyms
sustain
preserve
replenish
transitive verb
Definition

To catch too many fish from a body of water, leading to a decrease in the fish population and harming the environment.


Example

If we continue to overfish the oceans, many species will become endangered.


Tense Forms

Past: overfished

Past Participle: overfished


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you heard about the problems with the fish population lately?
Sloth B
Yeah, it’s concerning how people tend to overfish certain areas.
Sloth A
Right? It's like they don’t realize the impact it has on the ecosystem.
Root Explanation

Overfish → It is formed from "over-" (meaning excessively) and "fish" (from Old English "fisc", meaning fish). The word "overfish" means to fish excessively or beyond sustainable limits.

Memory Tip

Think of fishing too much or excessively — 'over-' means too much, and 'fish' refers to the act of catching fish.

Visually Confused Words
poverish
viperfish
serfish
oarfish
Is this page helpful?
Sloth B
Exactly, we need to be more responsible about how we fish.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
deplete
exhaust
overharvest
Antonyms
sustain
preserve
protect