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

The flooding Nolichucky River overtook and surrounded Unicoi County Hospital in Erwin, stranding 54 people on the roof and others in rafts. —Usa Today Graphics Team, USA TODAY, 31 Dec. 2024

Last year, China overtook Japan as the world’s largest auto exporter, in part owing to its affordable EVs. —Nicholas Gordon, Fortune Asia, 18 Dec. 2024

Miguel Muñoz's long-standing record has fallen Since 1972, no coach had been able to overtake Miguel Muñoz's record of titles with Real Madrid. —Sam Leveridge, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024

Those feelings can flood your brain, overtake some of your rational decision-making ability, and lead you to shy away from asking difficult or direct questions. —Michelle Greenberg-Kobrin, Contributor, CNBC, 18 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