overpopulate
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˌoʊvərˈpɒpjʊleɪt/
KK: /oʊvərˈpɑːlɪˌkeɪt/
intransitive verb
Definition
To have too many individuals in a particular area, leading to problems such as lack of resources.
Example
The city began to overpopulate, causing issues with housing and food supply.
Tense Forms
Past: overpopulated
Past Participle: overpopulated
Conversation
Did you hear about the deer population in the park?
Yeah, I heard they really overpopulate the area sometimes.
Exactly! It’s causing problems for the vegetation.
Right, they need some management to balance things out.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
proliferate
multiply
reproduce
Antonyms
diminish
decrease
decline
transitive verb
Definition
To fill a place with too many people, which can cause problems for the people living there and the resources available.
Example
The city began to overpopulate, leading to a shortage of housing and jobs.
Tense Forms
Past: overpopulated
Past Participle: overpopulated
Conversation
Have you noticed how some cities really seem to overpopulate these days?
Yeah, it's becoming a serious issue with too many people in small spaces.
Exactly! It puts a lot of pressure on resources and the environment.
Root Explanation
Overpopulate → It is formed from "over-" (meaning excessively) and "populate" (from Latin "populare", meaning to populate or fill with people). The word "overpopulate" means to fill an area with too many people, exceeding its capacity.
Memory Tip
Think of 'over' meaning excessively, and 'populate' meaning to fill with people. This helps you remember that overpopulate means to fill a place with too many people.
Visually Confused Words
repopulate
depopulate
underpopulate
populate