overrun

/ˌəʊ.vəˈrʌn/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌoʊ.vɚˈrʌn/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌō-vər-ˈrən ˌō-və-/ (ame, mw) · /ˈəʊvərʌn/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈəʊvərʌn/ (ame, ipa)

overrun — verb

  • overranpast simple
  • overrunpast participle
  • overrunning-ing form
  • overrunsthird person singular

1. to spread through a place or seize it in large numbers, often causing damage or

1.動詞及物C1
釋義

to spread through a place or seize it in large numbers, often causing damage or loss of control

例句

Mauricio found the kitchen overrun with ants after the storm.

passive: be overrun with [pests]

After midnight, the square was overrun by football fans.

同義詞
  • invade

    Stronger and more clearly hostile, especially in military contexts.

  • infest

    Used especially when pests spread through a place.

  • swarm

    Focuses on moving in large numbers rather than taking control.

用法筆記

Often appears in passive patterns such as be overrun with pests or be overrun by troops when the place is the main focus.

2. to go beyond a planned time, cost, or other limit

2.動詞及物 / 不及物B2
釋義

to go beyond a planned time, cost, or other limit

例句

The road repairs overran by three days after the heavy rain.

pattern: overrun by + amount

Our video call overran, so Sumin missed her train.

同義詞
  • exceed

    Broader and usable for any limit, number, or rule.

  • go over

    More informal and common in everyday speech.

  • run over

    Very common for time in spoken English.

文法句型

overrun by + amount

overrun a budget

overrun a deadline

用法筆記

Often has a meeting, project, repair, or budget as the subject. Use overrun by + amount when you state how far the plan was missed.

overrun — noun