overcome

[ oh-ver-kuhm ]

verb (used with object)

, o·ver·came [oh-ver-, keym], o·ver·come, o·ver·com·ing.

1. to get the better of in a struggle or conflict; conquer; defeat:

   to overcome the enemy.

   Synonyms: vanquish

2. to prevail over (opposition, a debility, temptations, etc.); surmount:

   to overcome one's weaknesses.

3. to overpower or overwhelm in body or mind, as does liquor, a drug, exertion, or emotion:

   I was overcome with grief.

4. Archaic. to overspread or overrun.

verb (used without object)

, o·ver·came [oh-ver-, keym], o·ver·come, o·ver·com·ing.

1. to gain the victory; win; conquer:

   a plan to overcome by any means possible.

overcome

/ ˌəʊvəˈkʌm /

verb

1. tr to get the better of in a conflict
2. tr; often passive to render incapable or powerless by laughter, sorrow, exhaustion, etc

   he was overcome by fumes

3. tr to surmount (obstacles, objections, etc)
4. intr to be victorious

Other Words From

• o·ver·com·er noun
• un·o·ver·come adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of overcome¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English; Old English ofercuman; over-, come

Synonym Study

See defeat.

Example Sentences

To overcome these limitations, Prof. Kwon's team used a "combustion synthesis" method.

From Science Daily

There are some limitations to the model that researchers aim to overcome in its next iterations, such as including more elements in their simulations.

From Science Daily

In order to overcome these difficulties, the research team used state-of-the-art technology: the Synchrotron particle accelerator in Grenoble.

From Science Daily

Building on a decade of research, scientists from MIT and elsewhere have developed a new photonic chip that overcomes these roadblocks.

From Science Daily

To overcome this, the team designed a type of liquid ink made of conductive polymers.

From Science Daily