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

Example Sentences

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 the race for the title of the planet with the most moons, Saturn may have overtaken Jupiter for the final time. —Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 May 2023

George Derek Musgrove, a University of Maryland at Baltimore historian who has written about D.C. history, described 1978 as a turning point when moderate Republicans who wanted to grant the city rights were overtaken by social conservatives such as Pat Buchanan and Phyllis Schlafly. —Paul Schwartzman, Washington Post, 13 May 2023

Alex Palou overtakes Christian Lundgaard for the lead on Lap 42. —Scott Horner, The Indianapolis Star, 13 May 2023

The siblings were previously Counsellors of State to Queen Elizabeth before they were overtaken in the line of succession to the throne as King Charles and Prince Andrew had children and grandchildren. —Stephanie Petit, Peoplemag, 6 May 2023

Two Phil’s led the field of 18 into the stretch, but was overtaken by Mage, who had been picking off horses through the previous 2 furlongs, and betting favorite Angel of Empire couldn’t catch the two front-runners before the wire. —Mark Inabinett | [e-mail], al, 6 May 2023

Photos from the Oregon Relays at Hayward Field on Saturday night The senior, who has been making waves all over in the distance events, showcased his closing capabilities and quickly overtook the group. —Nikstreng, oregonlive, 24 Apr. 2023

Opioid overdose deaths were soaring that year and would soon overtake car crashes as the leading cause of death in the United States. —Christina Jewett, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2023

Chinese automakers are now confident that the country will overtake Japan as the world’s largest car exporter this year, thanks to electric cars. —Nicholas Gordon, Fortune, 21 Apr. 2023

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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