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Difference between Overrun something and Run over something

overrun something

1. (of troops) spread over and occupy a territory:

  • The British remained in control of Malaysia until World War II, when Japan overran the country.

2. (of liquid) flow over smth.:

  • I was astounded at the damage that was caused when a river overran its banks.

3. go beyond a fixed limit:

  • The amended motion led to a fairly heated debate which overran the time originally allowed.

run over something

1. damage smth. with a vehicle:

  • Misty’s brother left her brand-new bike in the middle of the street, and a car ran over it.

2. pass over smth.:

  • There seemed to be a single country road running in the middle of the field with a black power line running over it.

3. briefly browse through smth. written or printed:

  • Running over the pages of a travel magazine, I spotted a small and rather unimposing photograph.