Definition

1. Verb:
   • To fill something beyond its normal or intended capacity, causing it to overflow or become excessively full.

Usage

The verb "overfill" describes the action of putting too much of something into a container, space, or area. It implies exceeding a limit, which often results in spillage, waste, or inefficiency. It is typically used with objects like containers, vehicles, or schedules.

Examples

• Verb:
  • Be careful not to overfill the gas tank.
  • The restaurant overfilled the takeout container, and sauce leaked out of the lid.
  • If you overfill the washing machine, the clothes won't get clean.

Advanced Usage

• "to be overfilled": (Passive voice) Describes a state of having been filled beyond capacity.
  • The trash cans were overfilled after the festival.
• Conceptual Use: Can be used metaphorically for non-physical things.
  • Her schedule is overfilled with meetings, leaving no time for breaks.

Variants and Related Words

• Overfilled (adj): In a state of being filled too much.
  • The overfilled suitcase was difficult to close.
• Overfilling (n): The act or instance of filling something too much.
  • Overfilling of the reservoir could cause a flood risk.

Synonyms

• Overload: To put too great a load on or in something.
• Stuff: To fill (something) tightly or to excess (can imply "overfill" in informal contexts).
• Cram: To fill (something) to the point of overflowing.

Antonyms

• Underfill: To fill something to less than its capacity.
• Empty: To remove all contents from.

Related Phrases

• "to overfill with": Specifies what something is excessively filled with.
  • He overfilled the glass with water.
• "overfill and spill": A common sequence of actions describing the consequence.
  • If you overfill the cup, it will spill.

Verb

1. fill beyond capacity
   • overfill the baskets