Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

overharvest

verb

/ˌoʊvərˈhɑːrvɛst/

Definition

To harvest a resource, especially plant or animal life, in a way that exceeds its natural capacity for regeneration.

Examples

Overharvesting of fish in the ocean can deplete entire populations.
Farmers may overharvest crops if they do not leave enough plants to regenerate for the next season.
Many forests are at risk due to overharvesting of timber, which affects wildlife habitats.

Meaning

Overharvest refers to the excessive extraction of resources from the environment, often leading to a depletion of those resources and potentially causing ecological imbalance.