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View synonyms for

overcome

[ oh-ver-kuhm ]

verb (used with object)

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

    to overcome the enemy.

    Synonyms:

  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)

overcame overcome, overcoming.
  1. to gain the victory; win; conquer:

    a plan to overcome by any means possible.

overcome

/ ˌəʊəˈʌ /

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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Other Word Forms

  • ··dz· noun
  • ܲ···dz adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of overcome1

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

See defeat.
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

It’s a testament to Pham that he overcame this distinct disadvantage through surgery and cutting edge procedures at the Boxer Wachler Vision Institute in Beverly Hills to carve out a 12-year big league career.

From

A key question facing the new oversight system is how it can overcome the byzantine dispersion of authority and tension between the different levels of government that beset the current system.

From

She added: "It makes me extremely proud to see actually how how far she's come, what she's overcome and what she is achieving. It's a real journey of strength and bravery... she's so brave."

From

Despite the facelift, Darbon says there are still "logistical and commercial challenges" around "road, rail and accommodation infrastructure" to overcome.

From

“The legacy of my grandmothers being slaves, overcoming, surviving and keeping their families together.”

From

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