What does surfeit mean?
A surfeit is an excessive amount of something, particularly food or drink, and the word often carries a negative implication of overindulgence or gluttony. Used as a verb, to surfeit means to eat or drink to excess, as in “to surfeit oneself on sweets,” or to give someone so much that they have had more than enough. Although the vocabulary is recognizable in everyday English, its noun use is now chiefly literary, while the verb retains a formal or slightly old-fashioned tone. The expression “a surfeit of” can also refer to an abundance of experiences, qualities, or problems, without necessarily involving eating. Its unusually transparent history reflects its meaning: the word comes from a combination of elements meaning “over” and “done,” making it a vivid reminder that a great deal of something is not always a good thing.
An excessive amount of something, especially food or drink.
"The guests had eaten a surfeit of cakes and pastries."
Chiefly literary; often suggests overindulgence.
To eat or drink to excess, or to supply someone with an excessive amount.
"The child surfeited himself on ice cream during the summer holiday."
Formal or literary; commonly used in the construction “surfeit oneself on or with something.”
The plural is used when referring to separate instances or kinds of excess.
"The company was overwhelmed by surfeits of unsolicited advice."
The word literally means “overdone,” with roots in French words for “over” and “done.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of surfeit
The word entered Middle English from Anglo-French surfeit, which came from Old French surfeit, an expression meaning “overdone” or “excess.” Its elements sur and fait correspond to Latin super “over” and facere “to do” or “make,” so the word originally conveyed the idea of doing or having too much. Related English words such as superfluous and surpass preserve the Latin element super, although they developed through separate formations.
Related word forms
How surfeit is actually used
The noun is chiefly literary and often implies gluttony or wasteful excess. As a verb, it is especially common in the expression “to surfeit oneself on something”; other uses may sound formal or archaic.