overflow

1.

/ˌoʊvərˈfloʊ/

flow or run over (a limit or brim)

2.

/ˈoʊvərˌfloʊ/

a large flow

Other forms: overflowing; overflowed; overflows; overflown

To overflow is to go beyond filling something with a liquid, so that it gushes over the edges. During heavy rainstorms, rivers sometimes overflow their banks and flood the surrounding land.

Bathwater will overflow the tub if you don't turn the water off, and if you keep pouring coffee after your cup is full, it will also overflow. Literal overflowing involves liquid, but you can also use this verb to mean "fill a container" or "fill with feeling." So your arms can overflow with flowers, and your heart can overflow with happiness. The Old English root is oferfleow, "flood" or "inundate."

Definitions of overflow (/ˌoʊvərˈfloʊ/)

1. verb

   flow or run over (a limit or brim)
   synonyms: brim over, overrun, run over, well over

   types:

   geyser

   to overflow like a geyser

   type of:

   run out, spill

   flow, run or fall out and become lost
2. verb

   overflow with a certain feeling
   synonyms: bubble over, spill over

   type of:

   boil, seethe

   be in an agitated emotional state