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Definition of overpopulate

overpopulate

/ˌoʊvərˈpɑːpjəleɪt/
o · ver · pop · u · late
Adjective:overpopulated
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Past Simple:overpopulated
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Past Participle:overpopulated
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Present Participle:overpopulating
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overpopulate Lexical Profile

overpopulate Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To populate a place, habitat, or region with an excessive number of people or organisms, beyond what its available resources can comfortably sustain.

Example

"Without natural predators to keep their numbers in check, the invasive deer began to overpopulate the island's forests."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for overpopulate

• Nearby Words

overplayed
overpolice
overpolicing
overpopulate
overpopulated
overpopulation
overpower

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the mid-19th century from the English prefix 'over-' and 'populate', which derives from Medieval Latin 'populatus', ultimately from Classical Latin 'populus' meaning 'people'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Overpopulate. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/overpopulate
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