overflow

Transitive VerbIntransitive Verb[C/U] Both

pl: overflowspast: overflowedpp: overfloweding: overflowingcomp: nullsup: null

This term carries a strong sense of containment being breached. It suggests a threshold has been crossed where a system can no longer hold its contents, leading to a spill or a leak. It is frequently used in technical contexts, such as computing, to describe data that exceeds allocated memory space. When applied to human emotions or social situations, it evokes a feeling of being overwhelmed or saturated. It differs from simple abundance by implying that the volume is now disruptive or uncontrollable, shifting from a state of fullness to a state of leakage.

Countable when referring to a specific excess area or a separate auxiliary tank (the overflow pipe). Uncountable when referring to the general state of too much liquid or data.

Meanings

Transitive Verb

[something][something]

To flow over the brim of a container due to being too full.

"The pot overflowed with boiling water."

Intransitive Verb

[something]

To flow over the edge of a container or bank.

"The river overflowed its banks during the storm."

Noun

[null]

An excessive amount of something that exceeds capacity.

"An overflow of emotions poured out of her."

Last Updated: May 26, 2026•Report an Error