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

Growing mint in pots prevents it from spreading and overtaking other plants. — The Spruce, 6 July 2026

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

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

With the win, Djokovic also moved to within one of Rafael Nadal’s record of 22 Grand Slam titles, overtaking Federer in the process. — Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 5 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