overfill

[ oh-ver-fil ]

verb (used with object)

1. to fill too full, so as to cause overflowing.

verb (used without object)

1. to become too full.

Word History and Origins

Origin of overfill¹

1200–50; Middle English overfillen, Old English oferfyllan. See over-, fill

Example Sentences

Police arrested them by the thousands, such that that they had to turn university buildings into makeshift prisons when the usual facilities became overfilled.

From Salon

Rant to block after block of nearby Lake City residences that overfill their garbage dumpsters while recycling bins receive just a token amount.

From Seattle Times

"The criminal statutes cited in this case are pretty broad and could apply to millions of people who don't file a return for one reason or another... prisons could, theoretically, be overfilled with tax criminals."

From BBC

Be sure to keep your fridge around 35-38 degrees F, and avoid overfilling to allow for sufficient airflow, which removes moisture and prevents mold growth, Lambertini advises.

From National Geographic

The recalled pressure cookers, sold under the brand Insignia, have incorrect volume markings on their inner pots that can cause consumers to overfill them.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• discharge
• dribble
• empty
• flow
• overflow
• pour
• run out
• scatter
• spill over
• splash
• spray
• sprinkle
• squirt
• stream