overtake

[ oh-ver-teyk ]

verb (used with object)

, o·ver·took [oh-ver-, took], o·ver·tak·en, o·ver·tak·ing.

1. to catch up with in traveling or pursuit; draw even with:

   By taking a cab to the next town, we managed to overtake and board the train.

2. to catch up with and pass, as in a race; move by:

   He overtook the leader three laps from the finish.

3. to move ahead of in achievement, production, score, etc.; surpass:

   to overtake all other countries in steel production.

4. to happen to or befall someone suddenly or unexpectedly, as night, a storm, or death:

   The pounding rainstorm overtook them just outside the city.

verb (used without object)

, o·ver·took [oh-ver-, took], o·ver·tak·en, o·ver·tak·ing.

1. to pass another vehicle:

   Never overtake on a curve.

overtake

/ ˌəʊvəˈteɪk /

verb

1. to move past (another vehicle or person) travelling in the same direction
2. tr to pass or do better than, after catching up with
3. tr to come upon suddenly or unexpectedly

   night overtook him

4. tr to catch up with; draw level with

Other Words From

• uno·ver·taken adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of overtake¹

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English overtaken; over-, take

Example Sentences

My condition seemed to echo the larger affliction overtaking the land, a reminder of the profound toll that tumultuous times exact upon both body and spirit.

From Salon

Despite her success, she still gets "mixed views" from men in the sport and hopes her place and an upcoming Netflix series following some of her peers, will help overtake stereotypes.

From BBC

"We always have the conversation, but what we didn't want was that celebrity to overtake the story."

From BBC

Republicans have often claimed, without evidence, that Democrats overtaking them in the count is a sign that they are cheating, rather than a matter of logistics.

From Salon

However, her lofty levels have dipped in the second half of the season and allowed Sabalenka to overtake her at the top of the rankings.

From BBC

Related Words

• beat
• befall
• catch up with
• engulf
• outdistance
• outdo
• outstrip
• overwhelm