overrun
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˌoʊvərˈrʌn/
KK: /oʊvərˈrʌn/
intransitive verb
Definition
To exceed or overflow a limit or boundary.
Example
The river began to overrun its banks after the heavy rain.
Tense Forms
Past: overran
Past Participle: overrun
Conversation
Did you see how the river overrun its banks after the storm?
Yeah, it was pretty crazy to see all that water.
I heard it overrun the park too, which is just wild.
I hope it clears up soon; we need the park back!
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
overflow
exceed
surpass
Antonyms
fall
underperform
dwindle
noun
Definition
A situation where something exceeds its expected limits, such as costs or quantities.
Example
The project faced an overrun in costs due to unexpected delays.
Conversation
Did you hear about the project's budget overrun?
Yeah, I read that it went way over the initial estimates.
It's crazy how often this happens in our industry.
transitive verb
Definition
To exceed or go beyond a limit, often in terms of quantity or space; to overflow or overshoot.
Example
The river overran its banks after the heavy rain.
Tense Forms
Past: overran
Past Participle: overrun
Conversation
Did you hear about the new printer?
Yeah, I heard it can overrun the print jobs if too many are sent at once.
That sounds like a recipe for disaster!
Root Explanation
Overrun → It is formed from "over-" (meaning excessively or beyond) and "run" (from Old English "rinnan", meaning to flow or move). The word "overrun" means to flow or move excessively beyond a limit or boundary.
Memory Tip
Think of something that moves or flows 'beyond' ('over-') its intended path — that's why overrun means to exceed limits.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.