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

In 2024, solar power generated 11% of EU electricity, overtaking coal, which fell below 10% for the first time. —Sibi Arasu, Los Angeles Times, 25 Jan. 2025

Global investment in low-carbon energy projects will overtake spending on upstream oil and gas production for the first time this year, according to a report from S&P. Solar energy alone is expected to generate half of this year's green energy investment. —Katie Fehrenbacher, Axios, 23 Jan. 2025

Hot on its heels is India, whose 1.4 billion people overtook China in 2023 to become the world's most populous nation, according to U.N. demographers. —Micah McCartney, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025

Modern military sensors are far more advanced, and now the commercial world is catching up if not overtaking them. —David Hambling, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025

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