overflow
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˌoʊvərˈfloʊ/
KK: /oʊvərfloʊ/
intransitive verb
Definition
To be filled so much that it spills over the edge or limit.
Example
The river began to overflow after the heavy rain.
Tense Forms
Past: overflowed
Past Participle: overflowed
Conversation
Did you see the river after the storm last night?
Yes, it was incredible! It really started to overflow.
I can’t believe how much rain we got.
Right? I hope it doesn’t cause any flooding.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
brim
spill
teem
Antonyms
dwindle
decrease
dry
noun
Definition
A situation where a liquid or substance spills over the edge of a container, or an excess amount of something that exceeds its limits.
Example
The overflow from the river caused flooding in the nearby fields.
Conversation
Did you see the overflow in the park's pond after the rain?
Yeah, it was crazy! I’ve never seen it that full before.
I thought it might even flood the walking path.
transitive verb
Definition
To make something fill too much so that it spills out or goes over the edge.
Example
The heavy rain caused the river to overflow its banks.
Tense Forms
Past: overflowed
Past Participle: overflowed
Conversation
Did you see how the river overflowed after the storm?
Yeah, it was so high! I thought it might flood the park.
I know! It really overflowed the banks this time.
Root Explanation
Overflow → It is formed from "over-" (meaning above or beyond) and "flow" (from Old English "flowan", meaning to flow). The word describes a situation where something flows beyond its limits or capacity.
Memory Tip
Imagine a container that is so full that the liquid flows 'beyond' ('over-') its edges — that's what overflow means.
Visually Confused Words
reoverflow