overfish

[ oh-ver-fish ]
/ ˌoʊ vərˈfɪʃ /

verb (used with object)

to fish (an area) excessively; to exhaust the supply of usable fish in (certain waters): Scientists are concerned that fishing boats may overfish our coastal waters.

verb (used without object)

to fish so as to deplete the supply of fish in certain waters: If the trawlers are going to overfish here, we'll need legislation to restrict their hauls.

Origin of overfish

First recorded in 1865–70; over- + fish

Words nearby overfish

overfalls, overfamiliar, overfatigue, overfeed, overfill, overfish, overflap, overflight, overflow, overfly, overfold