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

High levels of air pollution could mean cardiovascular diseases overtake infectious diseases as the leading cause of death in Africa, according to a new analysis. —Jamie Hailstone, Forbes, 28 Nov. 2024

In the most recent quarter, its revenue overtook Tesla Inc.’s for the first time and its gross margin rose to 21.9%, its highest level in a year. —Chloe Berger, Fortune Asia, 27 Nov. 2024

Oklahoma City recently overtook the Warriors for the top spot in the West. —Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 27 Nov. 2024

For the first time in more than two decades, Mexico overtook China as the top exporter of goods to the US last year, according to Commerce Department trade data. —Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN, 26 Nov. 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