overtake

[ oh-ver-teyk ]

verb (used with object)

overtook overtaken, overtaking.

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)

overtook overtaken, overtaking.

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 Word Forms

• 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

Besides being overtaken by moss, ivy and ferns, Seattle’s surviving denizens have evolved from passive-aggressive to plain old aggressive.

From Salon

The victory was the reigning world champion's seventh in the format, overtaking Olympic champion Pauline Ferrand-Prevot as the most successful elite woman in XCC history.

From BBC

She had a vision to overtake Australia and make us the best team in the world.

From BBC

The Greens have failed to match the recent polling successes of Reform, which has overtaken the Tories and been neck-and-neck with Labour in recent national polls.

From BBC

Ever since I was small, I’ve had these crazed moments of urgency overtake me that I could feel in my teeth.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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