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to overstuff

to overstuff

3 4.6
To put too much into something so it cannot close or is too full
  • verb
  • /ˌoʊvərˈstʌf/
translation icon : sobrecargar
  • She likes to overstuff the turkey with dressing before cooking it.

Examples

  • Don't overstuff the bag; it might rip if you add too much.

  • My mother's main pleasure and strategy in those days was to overstuff me whenever I came to visit.

    Academic text (2010)
  • One common problem is overstuffing a pocket so much that it ends up gaping around the legs.

    Blog text (9)
  • "We package these containers into a standard shipping box for off-site transportation and are careful not to overstuff the boxes," says Pappis.

    Academic text (1995)
  • Remember, when storing food in refrigeration and freezer units, don't overstuff them.

    Blog text (9)
  • I accidentally overstuffed the suitcase, making it hard to zip up.

Synonyms

to fill
vsto overstuff
1.0

To make a place full by putting people or things into it

specifically means putting in too much so the item bulges
to fill up
vsto overstuff
19 1.8

Make something have no empty space or cause a strong feeling in someone

adds the idea of too much content that causes bulging
to fill to the brim
vsto overstuff
5 2.7

To make something so full that nothing else can fit

implies exceeding capacity and bulging rather than merely full
to overpack
vsto overstuff
4 4.2

To put too many items into a bag or case

involves adding excess to the point of bulging rather than tight packing
to overfill
vsto overstuff
3 3.9

To put too much into something so it spills out

is about filling more than should fit, causing bulging
to overcrowd
vsto overstuff
1 4.1

To make a place too full by putting too many people or things in it

describes overfilling objects with excess material rather than crowding people
to overstock
vsto overstuff
1 4.5

To put more goods in a shop or warehouse than can be sold

concerns overfilling a container or item rather than excess inventory
to overbrim
vsto overstuff
7.8

To be or make something so full that it spills over the edge

focuses more on bulging and overfilling than actual spilling
to chock up
vsto overstuff
  • UK
7.4

To fill a space so full that nothing more can be added

implies going beyond safe capacity to make something bulge

How Full

to overstuff
3 4.6
to cram
16 3.2
to pack
278 2.3
to fill
1.0
to empty
179 1.0

Surface Forms

overstuff infinitive
overstuffed past participle
overstuffing present participle
overstuffs third person singular

Morphology

overstuff = stuff (transparent) = over + stuff

The meaning is clearly derived from 'stuff' with the prefix 'over' indicating excess.

Etymology

The word overstuff comes from over- meaning 'too much' and stuff meaning 'to fill with material', like 'stuffing' in a pillow or a turkey. So, to overstuff something is to fill it too full so it bulges or is hard to close.