Basic Details
Word: Overrun
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To spread over or take control of a place or to exceed the limits of something, such as time or quantity.
Synonyms: Overflow, invade, exceed
Antonyms: Contain, restrict
Idioms and Phrases
- Overrun with work: To have too much work to handle. Example: "At the end of the year, the office was overrun with work as everyone was finishing their projects."
- Overrun by emotions: When feelings become too overwhelming. Example: "She was overrun by emotions when she received the excellent news about her exam results."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The garden was overrun with weeds after weeks of rain, making it hard to see the flowers.
Example 2: During the summer, the small town was overrun with tourists, filling every hotel and restaurant.
Example 3: The meeting was overrun by discussions that took longer than expected, causing everyone to miss their next appointments.
Fun Fact
The word "overrun" comes from the Old English word "ofrunnen," which literally means to run over or exceed. It has been used for centuries to express situations where something or someone goes beyond expected boundaries.
Famous Quote
"Success is not the result of spontaneous combustion. You must set yourself on fire." Arnold H. Glasow. This quote illustrates the idea that achieving success might overrun your expectations if you put in the effort.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "overrun" mean?
a) To be under control
b) To spread over something or exceed limits
c) To dance happily
d) To run quickly
Answer: b) To spread over something or exceed limits
2. Which of these is a synonym of "overrun"?
a) Exceed
b) Create
c) Ignore
d) Refuse
Answer: a) Exceed
3. What is the opposite of "overrun"?
a) Overflow
b) Restrict
c) Burst
d) Expand
Answer: b) Restrict
4. Which sentence uses "overrun" correctly?
a) The children overrun the classroom with laughter.
b) The family was overrun by a lovely surprise gift.
c) The island was overrun with beautiful flowers.
d) The cat overrun the mouse.
Answer: c) The island was overrun with beautiful flowers.
5. Which idiom means the same as experiencing too much of something?
a) Overrun by emotions
b) Under control
c) Full of surprises
d) On top of the world
Answer: a) Overrun by emotions
