overtake

verb

over·​take ˌō-vər-ˈtāk 

overtook ˌō-vər-ˈtu̇k  ; overtaken ˌō-vər-ˈtā-kən  ; overtaking

transitive verb

1

a

: to catch up with

b

: to catch up with and pass by

2

: to come upon suddenly

Synonyms

• catch
• catch up (with)
• overhaul

Examples of overtake in a Sentence

She overtook the other runners and went on to win the race.

The sign says “No Overtaking.”

Seasickness can overtake passengers when the ship encounters a storm.

Recent Examples on the Web

Over the past decade, anxiety and pessimism about the future have been overtaking optimism, a trend that is especially damaging for young people. —Talia Milgrom-Elcott, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024

The chain could soon overtake KFC, the rare chicken chain that’s struggled to resonate with U.S. consumers this year. —Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 13 Dec. 2024

Thankfully, Janine and Gregory’s romance hasn’t overtaken the show: The other teachers have way more pressing things to worry about, including a ringworm outbreak that spreads faster than any gossip. —Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 12 Dec. 2024

Assad fled, reportedly to Moscow, over the weekend after rebels overtook Syria in a surprise attack, ending his family’s five decades of rule. —Lisa Mascaro and Farnoush Amiri, Los Angeles Times, 10 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from over entry 1 + taken to take

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

overtake

verb

over·​take ˌō-vər-ˈtāk 

overtook -ˈtu̇k  ; overtaken -ˈtā-kən  ; overtaking

1

a

: to catch up with

b

: to catch up with and pass by

2

: to come upon suddenly

a blizzard overtook the hunting party