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View synonyms for

overtake

[ oh-ver-teyk ]

verb (used with object)

overtook overtaken, overtaking.
  1. to catch up with in traveling or pursuit; draw even with:

    By taking a cab to the next town, we managed to overtake and board the train.

  2. to catch up with and pass, as in a race; move by:

    He overtook the leader three laps from the finish.

  3. to move ahead of in achievement, production, score, etc.; surpass:

    to overtake all other countries in steel production.

  4. to happen to or befall someone suddenly or unexpectedly, as night, a storm, or death:

    The pounding rainstorm overtook them just outside the city.



verb (used without object)

overtook overtaken, overtaking.
  1. to pass another vehicle:

    Never overtake on a curve.

overtake

/ ˌəʊəˈٱɪ /

verb

  1. to move past (another vehicle or person) travelling in the same direction
  2. tr to pass or do better than, after catching up with
  3. tr to come upon suddenly or unexpectedly

    night overtook him

  4. tr to catch up with; draw level with
“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

  • ܲo··ٲIJ adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of overtake1

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English overtaken; over-, take
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Benedict retired as Pope in February 2013 and his death nine years later, on 31 December 2022, was overtaken by the new year festivities.

From

California's economy has overtaken that of the country of Japan, making the US state the fourth largest global economic force.

From

The dire wolf affair underscores how marketing can overtake sober assessment of scientific advances — conceivably to the detriment of scientists’ public standing.

From

The Senedd has been overtaken by people who all believe in the same blooming thing.

From

Piastri, though, said the three zones in which the drivers can use the Drag Reduction System overtaking aid might make it easier for him to have a try at passing Verstappen than in Japan.

From

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