took over; taken over; taking over; takes over
: to assume control or possession of or responsibility for
military leaders took over the government
Examples of takeover in a Sentence
Noun
The government experienced a military takeover in 2002.
the new government's high-handed takeover of private industries
Verb
I'll take over for her until she gets back from her morning break.
took over the responsibility of caring for the animals
Recent Examples on the Web
Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 2 Mar. 2026
The law carries a potential death penalty and was widely used to arrest and imprison political opponents, journalists, and others involved in dissent since the 2021 army takeover.
—ABC News, 2 Mar. 2026
Michelle Darrisaw, Southern Living, 1 Mar. 2026
The Maryland Attorney General's Independent Investigations Division (IID) has taken over the investigation.
—Adam Thompson, CBS News, 1 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for takeover
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Noun
JPMorgan bankers will pitch investors in earnest this week in Miami on $20 billion of debt supporting Silver Lake and Saudi Arabia’s $55 billion takeover of Electronic Arts, people familiar with the matter said.
—Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 2 Mar. 2026
The law carries a potential death penalty and was widely used to arrest and imprison political opponents, journalists, and others involved in dissent since the 2021 army takeover.
—ABC News, 2 Mar. 2026
Verb
Plant it in a pot to keep it from taking over the garden, and provide partial shade in the afternoon in hot climates.
—Michelle Darrisaw, Southern Living, 1 Mar. 2026
The Maryland Attorney General's Independent Investigations Division (IID) has taken over the investigation.
—Adam Thompson, CBS News, 1 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for takeover
Cite this Entry
“Takeover.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/takeover. Accessed 8 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLegal Definition
takeover
noun
take·over
ˈtāk-ˌō-vər 
: the acquisition of control or possession (as of a corporation)
a hostile takeover
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