overflow

Noun

1. (countable, uncountable) The spillage resultant from overflowing.
2. (countable, uncountable) An outlet for escape of excess material.
3. (countable, uncountable) Excess, superabundance
4. (countable, uncountable) The situation where a value exceeds the available numeric range.

Verb

1. (transitive) To flow over the brim of (a container).
2. (transitive) To cover with a liquid, literally or figuratively.
3. (transitive) To cause an overflow.
4. (intransitive) To flow over the brim of a container.
5. (intransitive) To be subject to a load that exceeds limits or capacity.
6. (figuratively, intransitive) To be subject to a load that exceeds limits or capacity.
7. (ambitransitive) To (cause to) exceed the available numeric range.

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈəʊvəˌfləʊ/

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English: overflowen

Inherited from Old English: oferflōwan

In summary

From Middle English overflowen, from Old English oferflōwan, equivalent to over- + flow.

Synonyms

flood

spill over

spill

inundate

boil over

brim over

inundation

swell

flow

deluge

flow over

surplus

pour

pour out

overrun

teem

abundance

run over

run

outpouring

bubble over

brim

overwhelm

increase

abound

drain

surge

submerge

be flooded

rise

overabundance

full to the brim

burst forth

well over

upset

torrent

waft

whelm

spilt

runoff

fill

exuberance

excess

slop

cover

empty

boil

glut

dump

bulge out