overtop

[ verb oh-ver-top; noun oh-ver-top ]

verb (used with object)

, o·ver·topped, o·ver·top·ping.

1. to rise over or above the top of:

   a skyscraper that overtops all the other buildings.

2. to rise above in authority; take precedence over; override:

   No individual shall overtop the law.

3. to surpass or excel:

   a rise in sales that overtopped everyone in the industry.

noun

1. a top, sometimes sleeveless, designed to be worn over another garment, as a shirt or dress.

overtop

/ ˌəʊvəˈtɒp /

verb

1. to exceed in height
2. to surpass; excel
3. to rise over the top of

Word History and Origins

Origin of overtop¹

First recorded in 1555–65; over- + top ¹

Example Sentences

That will result in high winds, which coincide with high spring tides, bringing a risk of large waves and coastal overtopping.

From BBC

Coastal areas may see large waves and water overtopping with some disruption to transport networks.

From BBC

Aberdeenshire Council said it was closing off the area and the nearby harbour on police advice, external "due to the risk of overtopping waves".

From BBC

Rivers and streams could swell, overtopping their banks and flooding the neighborhoods surrounding them.

From New York Times

But once built, you don’t want water coming through your roof, your siding or your windows — or overtopping your foundation or slab.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• off
• upstairs