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

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

From BBC

If you need another reason to see a revival that I cannot praise enough, let me add that this musical offers a profound glimpse of how history can overtake us, altering reality in ways that are hard to imagine.

From Los Angeles Times

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

Can’t think too hard about it or the anxiety will overtake me.

From Slate

Jaden Jefferson let the glee of victory overtake his face as the clock expired.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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