Definition

1. Verb (transitive):

   • To grow over and cover something, often in an excessive or uncontrolled manner.
   • To grow beyond a desired or normal size or limit.

2. Verb (intransitive):

   • To become covered with excessive growth.
   • To grow too large or too quickly.

Usage

• Transitive verb: The subject (a plant, vegetation) grows over and covers the object (an area, structure).
  • Example: Weeds can quickly overgrow a garden if left unchecked.
• Intransitive verb: The subject (an area) becomes covered by excessive growth. Often used with "with".
  • Example: The abandoned lot overgrew with brambles and thistles.

Examples

• Transitive use:
  • The kudzu vine overgrew the old fence, completely hiding it from view.
  • Without regular trimming, the hedge will overgrow the path.
• Intransitive use:
  • The garden overgrew during the rainy summer months.
  • The trail had overgrown with dense vegetation, making it impassable.

Advanced Usage

• "to become overgrown": This is a common passive construction describing the state of being covered by excessive growth.
  • The castle ruins have become overgrown with moss and ivy.
• "overgrown with": A frequent collocation to specify the type of vegetation covering something.
  • The statue was overgrown with creeping vines.

Variants and Related Words

• Overgrown (adjective): Covered with excessive growth; having grown too large.
  • They hacked their way through the overgrown jungle path.
  • He felt like an overgrown child in the tiny chair.
• Overgrowth (noun): An excessive growth or covering.
  • The overgrowth of algae in the pond indicated high nutrient levels.

Synonyms

• Envelop: To surround and cover completely.
• Choke: To block or fill (a space) so as to make movement or growth difficult.
• Infest: (Of insects or animals) to be present in large numbers, typically so as to cause damage or disease. (Used figuratively for plants in some contexts).
• Outgrow: To grow too large for something. (Focuses on size, not covering).

Phrasal Verbs

(This word does not commonly form phrasal verbs. Its meaning is contained within the single verb form.)

Related Idioms

• "Run wild": To grow or spread freely without control. (Similar in concept to intransitive "overgrow").
  • The roses have run wild along the back fence.

Verb

1. grow beyond or across
   • The ivy overgrew the patio
2. become overgrown
   • The patio overgrew with ivy
3. grow too large