overpump

verb

over·​pump ˌō-vər-ˈpəmp How to pronounce overpump (audio)
overpumped; overpumping

transitive + intransitive

: to pump (something) excessively
especially : to pump water from (a water source) at a greater rate than it is replenished
overpumping groundwater
When the aquifer is overpumped, the dropping water level can make shallower wells useless. Dan Feldstein
When a drought hits and imported water is reduced, farmers start overpumping and subsidence continues. William M. Alley and Rosemarie Alley

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1871, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overpump was circa 1871

Dictionary Entries Near overpump

Cite this Entry

“Overpump.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overpump. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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