/oh'veuhr fish"/ , v.t.
1. 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.
v.i.
2. 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.
[ 1865-70; OVER- + FISH ]