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 of overtake

• catch
• chase
• reach

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 room is overtaken with projections, scenes of bustling New York traffic paired with bachelor-pad-like guitar riffs. — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026

Marx, a religious nonprofit leader, has led Kirkmeyer for nearly a week after overtaking the veteran lawmaker the day after polls closed in the June 30 primary. — Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 7 July 2026

As for buyer worries, mortgage rates and prices have overtaken the economy as the biggest concerns reported by agents during the second quarter. — Diana Olick, CNBC, 7 July 2026

The Yankees remain the most valuable MLB franchise, but last year the Los Angeles Dodgers overtook it as earning the most revenue. — Marla Jo Fisher, Oc Register, 7 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from over entry 1 + taken to take

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for overtake

• rattlesnake
• shiitake
• undertake
• wapentake
• ache
• ake
• bake
• brake
• break
• cake
• craik
• crake

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